A decision by the federal government to replace small, legal medical marijuana grows with large-scale facilities could have significant impact on neighbouring properties.
And, since the federal government did not consult with local governments, most do not have regulations within existing land-use bylaws to deal specifically with medical marijuana production facilities.
Gerald Christie, Columbia Shuswap Regional District manager of Development Services asked electoral area directors to direct staff to prepare amendments to regulations for all existing CSRD land use and zoning bylaws to regulate medical marijuana production facilities.
“Although some zoning regulations may still apply, the federal government initially only required prospective applicants to ‘inform’ their local government, police department and fire department of an intention to apple for a licence; confirmation of compliance with existing local government zoning was not required,” advised Christie, explaining why many local governments initially did not believe it was necessary to draft new land-use regulations.
Staff is now working on preparing the amending bylaws. Following that they will be brought back to the board for consideration.