West Kelowna council squashes cannabis grow-op proposal

Photo: pixabay

A Vancouver-based developer will not get his wish for a site-specific amendment to place a cannabis production operation within a multi-tenanted building.

The application for the zoning change on Kyle Road was strongly opposed by residents on the area, specifically those within the 55-plus Crystal Springs manufactured home park.

Residents opposed the application for numerous reasons specific to odour, noise, security, loss of property value and enjoyment of life and the overall process involved.

Council voted 5-1 to rescind first and second readings of the bylaw change and close the file. Only Coun. Jason Friesen voted in favour, while Mayor Gord Milson was not in attendance.

Councillors turned down the application mainly due to the site-specific bylaw which was changed in 2014 after the city received complaints around cannabis production facilities within multi-tenant buildings.

"There were problems," said Coun. Rick deJong.

"The intent of this bylaw was to address those issues. The intent, as far as I'm concerned, stands."

Coun. Jayson Zilkie indicated in Kelowna, operations such as the one before them are allowed, meaning it wouldn't even come before council for consideration.

"It's important for our residents to understand that we have fairly conservative bylaws compared to our neighbours," he said.

"I think that's great. I think that has served and protected them in this situation."

In voting favour, Friesen argued when the original bylaw was created six yeas ago there were fewer restrictions in place, specifically around ventilation and contamination.

"The times have changed, so while the intent in 2014 seemed to be much more relevant about odour complaints and potential conflicts between neighbours, with the new regulations

Times have changed, technology has changed," said Friesen.

He said the intent of the bylaw seemed more relevant around odour and potential conflicts than they would be now.

Three buildings, two currently under construction, were part of the application.

The applicant, Denciti Development Corporation, could still get approval for cannabis production within the first two buildings.

Planning manager Brent Magnan says they would be approved if cannabis production was to take place within each of the tenant units.