The CAO for Tyendinaga Township says cannabis production is becoming a thorn in the sides of Ontario municipalities.
Brad Roach spoke to Quinte News following Monday night’s council meeting, where marijuana grow ops were front and centre.
Roach says the municipality’s goal is to have some regulation over where and what is being built.
Currently, there are seven or eight green houses in Tyendinaga Township growing cannabis, and Roach says most have not gone to the municipality for zoning or building permits.
Councils across the province want to be working with the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, the OPP, and the federal and provincial governments, to come up with guidelines for municipalities.
Air quality, proper zoning, setbacks from other buildings (homes, schools, place of worship), and building permits are all part of the focus.
The CAO says they want to hold a public meeting in July to discuss regulations and concerns.
There is a major cannabis production facility proposed for Old Highway 2, near the Briar Fox Golf and Country Club.
Wolfe Island Cannabis, would grow marijuana in an 8,600 square foot facility, with a small 800 square foot addition and would have between 10 and 40 employees.
The concerns from the public with that proposal are air quality, the proximity to Holy Name of Mary Catholic School, and water usage.
