Council has approved a zoning application put forward for a medical marijuana facility to set up roots in Chatham, however, there are still many hoops to jump through.
Details were discussed during Monday nights council meeting regarding the facility and its location at 715 Richmond St.
Concerns had been raised with the potential smell that may be omitted from the facility.
The facility directly beside [where the production facility would be] happens to distribute rice, says Mayor Randy Hope. I want to make sure that its not going to harm [that] business.
President of Y.C. Liu Engineering Chet Liu spoke on behalf of the project saying there are certain requirements set out by Health Canada that address odor. He stated in front of council that that facilitys ventilation system would have several filters to prevent a smell from being released so as to not effect other businesses in the area.
Council approved the application for a zoning by-law amendment 16-0 (one vote was abstained because of conflict of interest).
Although council has approved the application, the facility still has to go through the building phase and inspection in order to get licensed by Health Canada, which is something that takes time.
Director of Planning Services Bruce McAllister stated that there have been seven applications like this that have come to council in the past.
Im starting to ask the question, how many of these are we going to approve?’ says Hope. Weve approved a number of them who are still waiting, I think its time that Health Canada hurrys up and makes a decision one way or another.
Should the facility pass inspection and become licensed, it could mean 50 more jobs for the area.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: First Step Forward For Medical Marijuana Facility
Author: Natalia Vega
Contact: Blackburn News
Photo Credit: Natalia Vega
Website: Blackburn News
