Turns out the political cannabis fight in Ancaster is not necessarily snuffed out. Council voted in late March to pursue a settlement ahead of a looming tribunal battle over a medical marijuana greenhouse under construction on Jerseyville Road.
But the deal to avoid a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearing hinges on the grower agreeing to still-secret conditions set by the city with an eye to protecting concerned area residents.
The Green Organic Dutchman sent out a public release the day after the council vote celebrating a "green light" for the 123,000-square-foot facility, which otherwise exceeds the city's rural size limit. The company told investors on its website the settlement was accepted, and growing should begin by June.
City officials, however, caution the settlement is not necessarily a done deal.
Acting city manager Mike Zegarac said the finalized conditions for the proposed settlement were only being formally delivered to TGOD Monday. Until those conditions are accepted, "there is no settlement," he said.
Neither party is allowed to reveal details about the still-secret conditions yet, but Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson said he was skeptical the grower would accept the city's terms.
"I hope they do, but I'm not convinced," said Ferguson, the loudest council opponent of the cannabis facility.
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