Saanich has specified the conditions for local farmers who want to grow marijuana on land in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Bylaw changes awaiting ratification stipulate federally-licensed pot farming in the ALR qualifies as farm use if it happens in an open field; in structures, whose respective bases consist completely of soil; in pre-existing structures (such as greenhouses with concrete pads) constructed for the purpose of growing crops; or structures for the purpose of growing crops under construction prior to July 13 B次元官网网址� concerning the cultivation of marijuana in the ALR.

Cannabis growing operations that do not meet those conditions represent non-farm uses that require approval from the Agricultural Land Commission under provincial regulations that allow municipal governments to control but not restrict the conditions of cannabis production.

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Saanich council asked staff earlier this year to develop measures that would limit construction of the bunker-style pot-growing facilities in the ALR.

B次元官网网址淭he fear is weB次元官网网址檒l see a proliferation of concrete-style bunkers on farmland which will render the fields otherwise useless,B次元官网网址� said then-councillor Dean Murdock. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e more concerned with activities as part of the production that is detrimental to farmland.B次元官网网址�

Proposed changes to SaanichB次元官网网址檚 bylaws will go before council on Monday. If approved, they will give the marijuana industry additional guidance when it comes to cannabis production on ALR land in Saanich.

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A Saanich councillor has already voiced opposition to most of the pending bylaw changes.

Coun. Nathalie Chambers said she B次元官网网址渁damantlyB次元官网网址� opposes cannabis production on land in the ALR or land zoned agriculture outside the ALR with the proviso that she is open to open field growing.

B次元官网网址淚t [cannabis production] is an industrial use,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚t deserves to pay industrial tax [instead of farm tax]. It is not organic.B次元官网网址�

Chambers said she would like to consult with the public about the various aspects of producing recreational cannabis. B次元官网网址淭his is going to be a huge business on Vancouver Island,B次元官网网址� she said, adding that the production of cannabis represents a B次元官网网址渃limate change favourable business.B次元官网网址� While it will require regulation and education to ensure community safety, it could boost SaanichB次元官网网址檚 business and industrial sector, said Chambers.

B次元官网网址淚 envision a funky light industrial area with local businesses and crafters [among others], potentially with mixed housing,B次元官网网址� she said.

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