Families fight residential grow operations

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This article was published 19/11/2021 (560 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was nice to go out door-knocking recently in order to speak with the constituents of The Maples.

When I was out in the area, many constituents expressed concerns about the lack of oversight for residential cannabis grow operations, pointing out that cannabis stores operate under strict guidelines, restrictions, and oversight.

The residents of the Maples have seen their communities develop, thrive, and become very diverse and welcoming. However, in the last two years, we have also witnessed the sale of bungalows by older adults, who have had to downsize, to people who turn these homes into large-scale cannabis facilities.

Constituents have said we have to get these large-scale grow ops out of our neighbourhoods. We cannot allow a loophole in the city’s bylaws to allow cannabis cultivation facilities to be within residential neighbourhoods and properties.

Since being elected in 2019, I have been discussing this important issue with Coun.  Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) and Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux. There needs to be a limit set on the amount of marijuana plants grown on a residential property. Although legalization in Canada is fairly recent, I believe that residents should not have to live near cannabis grow ops and Health Canada needs to close loopholes that allow these operations to exist.

Residents and families in the Maples should not have to live near homes where marijuana is cultivated.

On Oct. 13, a report was presented to the City of Winnipeg’s standing policy committee on property and development, heritage, and downtown development, proposing changes to create a new medical cannabis licensing regime.

Under the proposed zoning framework outlined in this report, designated cannabis production facilities would only be permitted in Manufacturing zones. Additionally, use-specific standards would require operations to be conducted within enclosed buildings; would require air filtration/exhaust systems; and would also require minimum setbacks between buildings where cannabis is cultivated and/or stored near residential properties, schools, public parks and playgrounds.

The proposed framework would require designated growers (i.e., individuals operating designated cannabis production facilities) to obtain and maintain valid business licensees. Introducing a licensing requirement will allow the city to conduct inspections, to suspend or revoke licenses, or issue fines if there are health and/or safety concerns.

If you would like to contact us, our constituency office is located at 103-1730 Leila Ave. Call us at 204-417-3486 or email mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca

Mintu Sandhu
The Maples constituency report

Mintu Sandhu is the NDP MLA for The Maples.

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