Prince Edward County (PEC) staff are asking for the public’s feedback on proposed regulations governing cannabis production and processing in PEC.

Feedback is invited through an online survey available on the County’s Have Your Say public consultation page which will remain open until 4 pm on Thursday, April 29.

Before filling out the survey staff recommend reviewing the draft zoning by-law amendment and any and all background information.

County Council on September 22, 2020, passed  an interim control by-law that temporarily paused cannabis production across the municipality except at facilities that were already legally operating before the by-law was passed. Council directed staff to bring forward a report investigating the impacts of cannabis production and consider options to regulate such uses.

After undertaking further research, staff are proposing to regulate these activities with amendments to the municipality’s zoning by-law. The proposed amendments include:

• A definition of cannabis production and processing facilities
• Provisions stipulating that cannabis production and processing facilities are only permitted in Industrial and Agriculture Zones.
• Setbacks from sensitive uses and site plan control requirements
• Specific criteria regulating odour, lighting, storage, and signage

The proposed zoning by-law amendment regulates cannabis production and processing facilities that are licensed by Health Canada. The proposed zoning by-law amendment does not regulate the practice of cultivating up to four plants on any property for personal consumption, which is permitted under the federal Cannabis Act legislation and not subject to municipal jurisdiction.

To view the proposed zoning by-law amendment please visit https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/9153390e74a1537f3586f3f332038ad1a2d8af03/original/1618615139/840622093b4bb78eaef9e67609cfe0ab_Att_3_-_Draft_Zoning_By-law.docx.pdf?1618615139

To visit the County’s Have Your Say public consultation page and to take the survey please visit https://haveyoursay.thecounty.ca/cannabis-zoning-bylaw-amendment

Any questions regarding the proposals, contact James Griffin, Planner, at 613.476.2148 extension 2024 or email jgriffin@pecounty.on.ca.