April 22, 2022
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George approved yesterday two separate applications for zoning amendments to allow for cannabis production. The first application is for a 56.43-hectare parcel on Blackwater Road in West Lake, on which a building for growing will be constructed.
Cannabis production is considered agricultural, but zoning in the area requires that lots be at least 259 hectares for agricultural use, so an amendment was requested.
A public hearing in March heard a number of objections from residents in the area, concerning noise, traffic, potential for criminal activity and odour. The applicant and owner of the property said the building will be engineered for sound and odour and that sales of cannabis will not take place on the property.
The Board approved the application with a vote of 10-4.
An application for a smaller, 4.48-hectare parcel on Horseshoe Drive near Pineview was also approved. The owner had been growing medicinal cannabis and is seeking to expand to a craft license. At a public hearing, neighbours in the area said no odour has been detected with the current operation. The rezoning was approved with unanimous support from the board.
THE MACKTOWN BUZZETTE 