Hey guy's and gal's pulled this off the other site

Hey guy's and gal's pulled this off the other site, compliments of givemeshelter.
Let me know if you think it's legit?

gimmeshelter Tuesday, 04/22/14 11:29:17 PM
Re: None
Post # of 163171
Response from Lakeshore on zoning and permits:

I wrote Mr. Steve Salmons, director of community and development services in hopes of clearing up these issues of debate on the msg. board. Here are the emails we shared, which clears up very little in my view:



Steve Salmons (ssalmons@lakeshore.ca)



ssalmons@lakeshore.ca
Steve Salmons
Director of Community & Development Services



Town of Lakeshore
T 519-728-5004 x292
ssalmons@lakeshore.ca




To: Steve Salmons

mailto:ssalmons@lakeshore.ca

Hello Mr. Salmons,

I am writing to you in hopes you can clear up a few issues regarding CEN Biotech and their current project to build a medical marihuana facility located at North Rear and Manning Roads in Lakeshore.

I am an investor in CEN Biotech and have been trying to follow the process, but as you likely know, there are many conflicting reports regarding zoning issues and building permits needed to comply with municipal and provincial requirements to proceed with their application to Health Canada for licensing.

I'm guessing you've probably received more than a few inquiries into this matter and if you don't have time to answer my questions, I understand. If you can reply, let me say thanks in advance for taking the time.

To begin with, I read the most recent council meeting minutes from the April 8 session where you stated that you had advised the proponent (CEO Bill Chaaban, I assume) that "rezoning and a site plan approval will be required to operate a facility beyond what is allowed in the current agricultural (with value added) zoning that currently exists."

I understand the project's production and need for employees will exceed the limits imposed by the current zoning. I read through the HC guidelines and the MMPR regulations and could not find any requirement that the production sites be zoned as industrial, yet in a recent written statement issued by Adam Szymczak, senior planner for the planning and economic development committee of neighboring city Windsor, also of Essex County, states that, "medical marihuana facilities must be zoned industrial to comply."

Does this stipulation also apply to Lakeshore or is that just a requirement of Windsor and not the county, Health Canada or the MMPR by-laws?

What does CEN Biotech need to do to be in compliance with Lakeshore city codes and zoning laws before they can begin production? (Assuming the licence from HC is forthcoming.)

Will the property need to be rezoned or can amendments be made to accommodate their production facility?

Has the proponent begun addressing this issue with your agency and/or the city council to effect the necessary change?

Assuming CEN Biotech is working diligently to comply, what kind of time frame are we looking at until an agreement can be reached so they can proceed with licensing and production?

Conjecture abounds that this process is either,
a). a simple process that can be remedied in quick fashion, or
b). a complicated process that will not be quickly remedied, or
c). a deal-breaker because of residential zoning with dwellings too close to the proposed production facility to allow for any kind of zoning approval.

What is your view on what it will take for the proponent to become compliant and ready to proceed to the next step?

I've reviewed the city's online guide for "Buildings and Permits" which states that permits are required for the following building projects, which I'm assuming apply to the construction of this site:

* new and replacement water lines
* construction of a new building
* any additions to an existing building
* structural alterations
* renovate, repair or add to a building
* change a building's use
* install or change load-bearing walls
* make new openings or change the size of doors and windows
* excavate a basement or construct a foundation
* install plumbing
* accessory structure larger than 108 square feet
* a deck more than 24' above ground
* new basement entrance

Are the proper permits for these projects in place?

If not, is the proponent working to comply or will they be addressed at the April 22 council meeting?

Is the proponent in danger of facing a work stoppage due to a lack of building permits acquired or any other issues such as permits for installation of gas, plumbing or electrical installation?

And finally, are there any other requirements that the proponent has not met that need to be complied with before gaining approval from the city to proceed and be ready for production?

I will be eagerly awaiting the release of minutes from Tuesday's council meeting to learn more on the progress of the project.

And thanks again for your time in reading and answering my letter.

Michael S.




© Steve Salmons (ssalmons@lakeshore.ca)

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4:00 PM





To: 'Michael S.'







ssalmons@lakeshore.ca

Michael,

I will briefly answer some of your questions, as many of your questions are speculative in nature, or without context.



Licensing is between Health Canada and the proponent, the Town has no involvement. The federal program does require any proponent to comply with all federal, provincial and municipal requirements. Zoning would be a typical requirement.



The Town does view the production of marihuana as an agricultural crop. It is the extent of processing that will determine if any further zoning is required by a proponent. Zoning requests are routine, and relatively straight forward, subject to the approval of Council.



We have been notified by CEN Biotech (as is required in the Act) of their intent to produce medical marihuana at a specific site in Lakeshore. CEN Biotech has not advised Lakeshore that they are seeking or require any zoning accommodations at this time.



You should contact the company for further information.

JAX