RDN directors requested the province to put a moratorium on outdoor cannabis farms arguing they require further study. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

cannabis farm

Outdoor cannabis farm in Cedar ignites debate at RDN board table

Jan 30, 2020 | 1:50 PM

NANAIMO — A legal outdoor marijauna farm planned on property on Quenell Lake in Cedar has left a foul smell among local residents and several Regional District of Nanaimo directors.

Following a lengthy and at times impassioned debate this week, RDN directors passed a motion asking the province to put a moratorium on outdoor cannabis farms, pending standards similar to those imposed on indoor cannabis productions.

A second motion to increase the RDN’s role in regulating all open air and closed cannabis growing facilities was swiftly shot down amid the onerous complications involved, and the fact it’s not in the local government’s jurisdiction.

Area F director Leanne Salter led the charge concerned about outdoor marijuana production of cannabis on local and province-wide farms. She said legalizing marijuana was rushed, while not nearly enough is known about negative impacts on people’s health.

“That’s why we’re at this table right now having this conversation. We wouldn’t be if it were done properly,” Salter said.

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The rep for the Errington, Coombs and Whiskey Creek area said historically outdoor cannabis production in places like the middle of the forest didn’t impact people, but now these conversations need to happen to find out more.

“No one is saying no,” Salter said. “We’re saying lets suspend this while we get a look at whether or not it’s safe for our population, it’s that simple.”

Director Sheryl Armstrong, a retired longtime RCMP officer, agreed with Salter, referencing community safety as her primary concern.

Director and Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog strongly opposed both motions.

He said the province would respond if outdoor cannabis production was such a grave concern.

“I think we need to make a statement about the rights of farmers in this province to use their land to ensure that agricultural land remains viable and that farming remains viable,” Krog said.

Director Don Bonner argued clamping down on cannabis farmers isn’t fair.

Bonner said the province is not going to ban outdoor cannabis farming regardless of what they do and odour is an issue that’s not going away.

Richard Dowker, CEO of Cedar Organics, represents the farms owners. Dowker told the meeting an organic regenerative operation is planned, while no odour control measures are in place for the outdoor portion of the farm.

Dowker told the board he wanted to be consulted before any action regarding outdoor cannabis farming is considered.

“We would just like to be part of whatever the board feels is fair and that all sides of the problem get considered,” Dowker said.

He said the operation will comply with Health Canada regulations of sufficient security and required odour mitigation for the inside portions of the operation.

Dowker said he is representing the business interests of the property owners until they move to the island in April.

2550 Quenell Lake Rd., between Cedar and Yellow Point Rd., is on the agricultural land reserve in which cannabis farming is an allowable practice.

Local residents packed the Cedar Community Hall last fall to voice their concerns and opposition to the planned venture.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes.