NOTICE: Proposed cannabis regulations now open for public input

An online survey is available on the County’s Have Your Say public consultation page. Staff recommend reviewing the draft zoning by-law amendment and background information before filling out the survey, which will remain open until 4 pm on Thursday, April 29.

County Council passed in September 2020 an interim control by-law that temporarily paused cannabis production across the municipality except at facilities that were already legally operating before the by-law was passed. Council directed staff to bring forward a report investigating the impacts of cannabis production and consider options to regulate such uses.

After undertaking further research, staff are proposing to regulate these activities with amendments to the municipality’s zoning by-law. The proposed amendments include:

• A definition of cannabis production and processing facilities
• Provisions stipulating that cannabis production and processing facilities are only permitted in Industrial and Agriculture Zones.
• Setbacks from sensitive uses and site plan control requirements
• Specific criteria regulating odour, lighting, storage, and signage

The proposed zoning by-law amendment regulates cannabis production and processing facilities that are licensed by Health Canada. The proposed zoning by-law amendment does not regulate the practice of cultivating up to four plants on any property for personal consumption, which is permitted under the federal Cannabis Act legislation and not subject to municipal jurisdiction.

If you have any questions regarding the proposals, contact James Griffin, Planner, at 613.476.2148 extension 2024 or email jgriffin@pecounty.on.ca.