ZONING EYED FOR MEDICAL GROW-OPS

Chilliwack council sparked the discussion this week about putting
restrictions on where medical marijuana grow-operations can operate in
the city.

"This is becoming health and safety issue for the people of
Chilliwack," said Mayor Sharon Gaetz at the council meeting.

Since the municipality has no authority to enforce the criminal code,
all city officials have at their disposal are zoning bylaw regulations
to control where medical marijuana can be produced within its borders.

Privacy laws protecting patients mean that no one is permitted to know
who is growing it for medicine, or how many pot plants are being produced.

"It would be one thing if it were two or three plants," but she said
there is no limit, even though the suggested number was 25.

But Gaetz said the city has received reports from citizens who live
near suspected medical grow-ops, which creates apprehension, whether
it's a fear of fire, or the risk of attracting the criminal element
who might attempt a "grow rip" on a grow-op next door.

"So the City of Chilliwack has to weigh into this discussion," she
said. "We would like staff to look at how we should approach it."

Council voted Monday to give city staff a mandate to explore ways to
develop a zoning bylaw and to produce a report.

Pitt Meadows officials passing a "land use amendment" for controlling
grow-ops, specifically prohibiting medicinal grows from all zones
except commercial and industrial.

"It will be coming back for a robust discussion," the mayor
added.

Coun. Chuck Stam, who is chair of the city's public health and safety
committee said it's becoming a growing issue.

"This should initiate and spark the discussion."