Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
A medical marijuana company hoping to locate in Cookstown cleared a major hurdle Wednesday when council decided to allow the federally regulated operations in the town's industrial zones.
"We're really excited about this," George Ragogna of AlternaMedz told the Journal minutes after council's decision.
But Ragogna said the Markham-based company still needs a number of approvals from Health Canada before it applies for a site plan for an empty industrial unit on County Rd. 89 west of Sideroad 5.
"Everyone's concerns will be addressed. There will be little to no impact to residents from this," Ragogna said. "We want to set up an advisory board with local people and be involved in the community."
Innisfil council met with opposition last September when it received a 244-name petition from residents opposing the Cookstown location.
But the majority of council decided indoor marijuana production was best suited for the town's industrial zone, with a 70-metre buffer between the facility and homes.
Municipalities cannot ban the facilities, which must also be approved by Health Canada, but can decide which zones they should fall in.
Under federal regulations, a large perimeter fence is required for security. Health Canada regulations also call for zero emissions, meaning the pungent aroma of marijuana will be contained within the building.
Only Deputy Mayor Lynn Dollin and Coun. Rob Nicol opposed the approval.
"I'd like to have the confidence that Health Canada will be there the moment you phone, but I don't," she said.
Dollin said poor planning decisions by past councils has placed the Cookstown industrial lands too close to houses.
Nicol said he personally approves of allowing marijuana production in the town's industrial zones but voted against the zoning to give constituents in his ward who oppose the facility a voice.
Council heard medical marijuana production would create fewer nuisances for residents than other industries that are not as heavily regulated.
"You could have paint facilities with vapors or welding production with noise," infrastructure director Don Eastwood said. "Other industries are far less regulated."
Coun. Donna Orsatti alluded to the stigma of medical marijuana as the only reason for opposition to the facilities.
"If it was Sterling Drugs coming to town that is also producing medicines to help people, would we be voting against it? We have to trust Health Canada," she said. "This has the lowest possible impact."
Other councillors said medical marijuana production will bring good jobs to town.
"I think it's time for us as a town to put together a proper, legalized marijuana grow operation," Coun. Richard Simpson said.
Coun. Stan Daurio said the town would find itself before the Ontario Municipal Board if it opposed zones for medical marijuana.
"We would lose not only in money but also in embarrassment," he said.
Medical marijuana facilities get their clientele through patients who have prescriptions from a doctor. The product is shipped to the clients through Canada Post's registered mail. There is no storefront and the general public does not have access to the production facility. Medical marijuana producers grow several varieties that have specific properties to treat different ailments.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Council limits medical marijuana production to Innisfil industrial zones
Author: Rick Vanderlinde
Contact: rvanderlinde@simcoe.com
Photo Credit: Tilray
Website: Your Halton online newspaper | Today's stories from newspapers in Halton
"We're really excited about this," George Ragogna of AlternaMedz told the Journal minutes after council's decision.
But Ragogna said the Markham-based company still needs a number of approvals from Health Canada before it applies for a site plan for an empty industrial unit on County Rd. 89 west of Sideroad 5.
"Everyone's concerns will be addressed. There will be little to no impact to residents from this," Ragogna said. "We want to set up an advisory board with local people and be involved in the community."
Innisfil council met with opposition last September when it received a 244-name petition from residents opposing the Cookstown location.
But the majority of council decided indoor marijuana production was best suited for the town's industrial zone, with a 70-metre buffer between the facility and homes.
Municipalities cannot ban the facilities, which must also be approved by Health Canada, but can decide which zones they should fall in.
Under federal regulations, a large perimeter fence is required for security. Health Canada regulations also call for zero emissions, meaning the pungent aroma of marijuana will be contained within the building.
Only Deputy Mayor Lynn Dollin and Coun. Rob Nicol opposed the approval.
"I'd like to have the confidence that Health Canada will be there the moment you phone, but I don't," she said.
Dollin said poor planning decisions by past councils has placed the Cookstown industrial lands too close to houses.
Nicol said he personally approves of allowing marijuana production in the town's industrial zones but voted against the zoning to give constituents in his ward who oppose the facility a voice.
Council heard medical marijuana production would create fewer nuisances for residents than other industries that are not as heavily regulated.
"You could have paint facilities with vapors or welding production with noise," infrastructure director Don Eastwood said. "Other industries are far less regulated."
Coun. Donna Orsatti alluded to the stigma of medical marijuana as the only reason for opposition to the facilities.
"If it was Sterling Drugs coming to town that is also producing medicines to help people, would we be voting against it? We have to trust Health Canada," she said. "This has the lowest possible impact."
Other councillors said medical marijuana production will bring good jobs to town.
"I think it's time for us as a town to put together a proper, legalized marijuana grow operation," Coun. Richard Simpson said.
Coun. Stan Daurio said the town would find itself before the Ontario Municipal Board if it opposed zones for medical marijuana.
"We would lose not only in money but also in embarrassment," he said.
Medical marijuana facilities get their clientele through patients who have prescriptions from a doctor. The product is shipped to the clients through Canada Post's registered mail. There is no storefront and the general public does not have access to the production facility. Medical marijuana producers grow several varieties that have specific properties to treat different ailments.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Council limits medical marijuana production to Innisfil industrial zones
Author: Rick Vanderlinde
Contact: rvanderlinde@simcoe.com
Photo Credit: Tilray
Website: Your Halton online newspaper | Today's stories from newspapers in Halton
