Some Lakeshore residents want marijuana facility to go

A group of Lakeshore residents say they want the commercial marijuana growing facility being built near their homes to close before operations even start.

"A monstrous building that's taken away beautiful sunsets, my west breeze, the visual appeal of living here," said Gloria Burling, who has lived on her family farm in the town for more then 40 years.

CENBiotech started construction on the facility several months ago, and has built a compound on Manning Road, just south of the 401 Highway that's surrounded by tall fences and barbed wire.

Burling said it isn't just the obstructed view that's upsetting her. She, along with a number ofpeople living in the area, have other concerns.

"The amount of traffic it's going to bring , the huge use of water, sewage, electricity, all those kinds of things in this little farming community," she said.

Residents suggest the building be moved to land that's specifically zonedas industrial.

Steve Salmons, director of community and development services for Lakeshore, said the Health Canada policy changes took the province andmunicipalities by surprise.

"What they've done is what any farmer can do on agricultural property," Salmons said. "What they can't do is take the next step is start a large scale processing marijuana [operation]."

He said the town is looking at amending its policy on agricultural zoning.

Joe Byrne, who speaks for CENBiotech, said he was surprised at the reaction the company is getting from neighbours.

"We're growing agricultural crops under lab conditions, so this is ultra clean," he explained. "I would be very concerned about trying to replicate that level of cleanliness in an industrial park. What we're growing is an agricultural crop, and by definition, it belongs with agriculture."

The company is still waiting forapproval from Health Canada to be able to grow marijuana at the facility.