Dear Editor,
By now, we know what the consequences look like: plummeting property values, unbearable stench, loss of wildlife, increased noise, and lit-up night skies, to mention just a few.
As a community we have learned that greenhouses growing cannabis commercially must be located away from residential neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive areas.
Still, even when the Township has a chance to avoid another disaster caused by commercial marijuana production within its borders, it cites current by-laws and regulations to prove that nothing can be done.
Our response is, if current by-laws and regulations are insufficient or don’t work for this brand-new industry, change them. Change your paradigm.
The next greenhouse is scheduled to open soon in Glen Valley, North Langley’s rural gem next to the Fraser River.
The building site, across the street from the Blaauw Eco Forest, with its endangered species and fragile bog environments, is the worst possible location to produce this commodity. The planned operation will not just represent a nuisance. It is likely to cause great harm.
On Oct. 22, 2013, the Township of Langley and Trinity Western University signed a Covenant with respect to the Blaauw Eco Forest: “The Owner (TWU) and the Township wish to conserve and enhance the natural state…of the Lands…for the purpose of environmental research and education.”
Does it make any sense to locate a large cannabis operation across the street from a remnant ancient forest that acts as a field lab for university students and is home to endangered amphibians, owls, and deer?
If allowed to proceed, we are certain that the increase in traffic, the noise, the light pollution, and the odour will destroy a forest that was generously donated by the Blaauw family and meant to be preserved in perpetuity.
Glen Valley Neighbourhood Coalition
Read about: the Blaauw Eco Forest
