Council approves cannabis production facility zoning by-laws

By Lindsey Stuckless

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Haldimand County Council unanimously approved zoning by-law amendments to regulate cannabis production facilities and help mitigate resident concerns, such as with lighting and activity levels.

“We have incorporated as many requirements as we can legally,” said Haldimand County Director of Planning and Development Mike Evers.

Since the federal government legalized the use of recreational cannabis in 2018, there has been an increase of interest in cannabis production facilities within Haldimand.

All production facilities are required to have a licence from the federal government. To receive a licence the facility must meet a series of rigorous standards surrounding security, report keeping, shortage conditions, and air filtration. All odour control is also addressed at the Federal level.

Councillor Tony Dalimonte said he fully supports the report and by-laws, but thinks councillors need to be prepared for when the public calls to voice concerns: “I think we as councillors are going to need the names and numbers of those at Health Canada who regulate the odour control because we know the calls are coming.”