A new bylaw is now in place for anyone wishing to operate a medical marijuana production facility in Spallumcheen.
Council unanimously passed third reading and adoption of the bylaw following a recent public hearing that drew no feedback from the public, just a question on clarification of the bylaw from one member in the gallery.
“A medical marijuana production facility must have a producer’s licence issued by Health Canada before applying for a township business licence in order to operate,” said Spallumcheen’s chief administrative officer Corey Paiement.
The new bylaw also clarifies that a business licence is not required for accessory farm sales but a medical marijuana production facility does not classify as an accessory farm sale use.
Such facilities may only be located in agricultural and agricultural industrial zones in the township.
Fire hall expansion proceeds
The pre-construction phase of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Hall expansion project has been approved by council.
Pre-construction includes the preparation of the building plans and tender process.
“This is expected to take six months to complete,” said Paiement.
The cost is $220,500 for which the township would pay $132,300, and the City of Armstrong would pay $88,200.
Jaws of Life
upgraded
A valuable tool in the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department’s arsenal is getting upgraded.
Council unanimously approved the fire department’s recommendation to spend nearly $32,000 on a new Jaws of Life.
The department’s Jaws of Life committee tested equipment from four different vendors.
“Our committee evaluated the equipment on cost, usability, serviceability, warranty and NFPA 1936 test scores,” said fire chief Ian Cummings.
The decision was narrowed down to two companies. Genesis was chosen based on lower cost and considerably better test scores.
Money for the purchase was approved in the 2014 budget by both Spallumcheen and Armstrong councils.
Street lighting
considered
One Spallumcheen roadway may get some street lighting.
Resident Norman Hannam wrote to council requesting street lighting in the residential area of McLeery Road and Lansdowne Road.
“This is a very high traffic area and many people go for a walk in the evening, and there are also children in the area,” said Hannam.
There is no lighting at present.
Council said they would consult with other residents asking if they would like to see lighting in the area before making it part of their 2015 budget deliberations.
Trail planning
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Trails Society hopes to initiate another phase of its trail project.
With Phase 1 from Rosedale Avenue East to the traffic light at Smith Drive in Armstrong complete, the society wants the township’s blessing to pursue Phase 2 which goes from Rosedale Avenue East to Powerhouse Road.
“What we need in order to proceed is your permission to access some staff time,” said Jill de la Salle of the society.
Council agreed, and directed staff to meet with the society.
