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West Kelowna council has given first reading to a zoning bylaw amendment that it hopes will begin a discussion around marijuana production in the community.
The changes further regulate and provide clarity for commercial medical marijuana facilities, ensuring the commercial production, processing, storage and distribution falls within a single definition.
Amendments exclude the growing of marijuana in greenhouses and nurseries, and require air filtration and security measures for commercial production facilities.
Proposed changes will now be circulated among many agencies within the city, including the RCMP, Interior Health and the Board of Trade before coming back for second reading and a public hearing.
"I recognize the need and the place for medical marijuana and support that, but I believe it is important as a municipality that we follow the provincial and federal legislation in this regard," said Coun. Rick de Jong.
"I'm hesitant to get too carried away with what the new federal legislation might, or might not look like. We'll know in due course."
As for public discussion, Mayor Doug Findlater is pleased that will be part of the process.
"I think we will get varied points of view just as there are some various points of view on our council," said Findlater.
"I think we have to come to grips with the current problem, and it may change, but right now, we've had a very clear statement from the RCMP. It's illegal. There is no tolerance, and we're tolerating it. I'm pleased to work with the RCMP on this."
While council waits for the bylaw to return to the table, Coun. Duane Ophus has a message for the federal government: show some leadership.
"This issue is costing our municipality, and probably every other municipality across Canada, a lot of money – a very significant amount of money.
"Our friends in the federal government, and their lack of leadership on this whole subject is really disconcerting. I think we need to hear from everybody... get your act together and decide how to proceed and show some leadership on this subject."
The feds are expected to announce measures soon that would legalize marijuana.
