R. Brown, Manager of Planning Services
i) Notice of Complete Application and Public Meeting: Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment, dated June 4, 2018;
ii) Report dated June 15, 2018;
iii) Proposed By-law 74-2018, being a by-law to amend By-law 1-2014, the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Town of Kingsville; and
iv) Proposed Authorizing By-law 75-2018, being a By-law to Amend the Official Plan of the Town of Kingsville (Official Plan Amendment No. 7)
Mr. Brown presented his Report and indicated that several property owners residing near the subject lands had expressed concerns via email regarding odour and lighting. He fielded questions from Council, including an explanation regarding recourse and the appeal process should this not be approved.
Comments from the audience:
Keith Johnson 710 Road 3 E - Expressed concern regarding traffic, speeding and that there are no shoulders on Road 3. He suggested possible security issues, questioned future taxation and assessment values. He stated that traditional farming practices cannot compete with the marihuana greenhouse movement, and expressed concern with protecting land for future generations.
Alex Gruening 749 road 3 E - Expressed concerns with traffic and speeding, and the number of facility workers and bikers on that road. His concerns with the Application are related to assessment values, odour and lighting. He suggested that the greenhouse owner plant cedar hedging around property. Mr. Brown indicated that landscaping screening can be incorporated into the site plan.
Mark Stannard, (481) 523 Road 3 E - Expressed concern with the impact that this Application would have on his family dairy farm business, specifically related to the affect that any light projected at night would have on the animals. He explained that light intensity and hours of darkness disrupt cycles and have a huge impact on milk production. He indicated any future investment in his dairy farm has been put on hold. He cannot compete with greenhouses and has concerns with tax assessment and property values. Mr. Brown indicated that the site plan agreement will outline the need to control light and odour.
Margaret Laman, 235 Lansdowne - (Farm at 547 Road 3) Inquired if there was flexibility in the site plan to make changes. She is concerned with what will happen to the taste of her vegetables being near a marihuana greenhouse.
Victor Huebert, 26 Robin Court - Inquired whether existing greenhouses were grandfathered in by-law regarding lighting. Mr. Brown responded that older greenhouses proposing any additions will have to comply with new provisions on being dark sky compliant.
Fred Driedger 930 Road 4 E - expressed concern on odour and impact on neighbourhood. He has conducted research on odour elimination and is requesting that greenhouse growers fully disclose products being used for health reasons. He discussed researching CERES, a greenhouse supplier in Colorado that builds energy efficient greenhouses with minimal discharge. His suggested that the municipality hold a 100% performance bond to hold the owner responsible. Mr. Brown indicated that air treatment control can be incorporated into site plan.
Mr. Gruening - Provided an additional comment that no greenhouse operations should be approved until bylaw is in place.
Dave Laman, 71 Golfview Cres - Concerned about the neighbourhood and asked if the greenhouse owners are willing to meet with neighbours. He expressed concerns with building a family home on the farm that will be next door to a marihuana production facility and not sure he wants to do that now.
Comments from applicant:
Bert Mucci - Stated that the facility will have all the features to deal with lighting, odour and security. He appreciated the comments received and will address light pollution. He stated that they aim to have a 100% blackout for this facility and are exploring all options. He advised that a new facility would have solid walls with a glass ceiling.
Mr. Dreidger - Added comment that charcoal filtering works and would like the greenhouse owner to consider it.
There were no further questions or comments from anyone else in attendance in the audience.