I strongly disagree with the decision to allow grow-ops on farm land.
It is a gross misuse and very unfair to any neighbours who may border the grow-op. Acres of cement and bunker-style buildings can go anywhere and I believe should be in industrial sites – it is an industry! It is not food!
The grow-ops are noisy, light intensive, very odorous and increases traffic to the farm area where they are situated.
People who live in the country do so for the peaceful existence. I, myself find the smell nauseating and if one was next to our farm, we would have to move.
On top of that, there is the devaluation of the land next to a grow-op.
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My other and greater concern is that there are families trying to exist next to the grow-ops – surely that smell is not good for children. There is proven science that children should not be subject to marijuana odours, smoked or not.
Good examples right now of what might become common practice are one of the largest companies in Canada constructing greenhouses on Garland Road in the North Shuswap and one on Pleasant Valley Road in Armstrong. Both in beautiful farm valleys.
The one in the North Shuswap, on Garland Road, is on what was once an old heritage farm and a lovely quiet road. What will you do if a grow-up is planned next to your home or farm?
Less than five per cent of B.C. is farmland – surely we can keep our farmland for just that – farming.
Farmland within the ALR (Agricultural Land Reserve) is subject to strict rules. Why do these grow ops not need to adhere to these rules? There are many questions and few answers.
If this concerns you please contact all government agencies involved and voice your concerns.
Estelle Noakes
@SalmonArm
newsroom@saobserver.net
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