To the editor,
Re: Council wants discussion on the Island around easing cannabis farming rules, Feb. 21.
I am dismayed to hear of Nanaimo council’s support of Don Bonner’s resolution to support easing the ability to grow cannabis on ALR land.
Currently, the only influence that municipalities have on the cultivation of cannabis on ALR land, is the ability to forbid the construction of concrete bunkers for this purpose. Councils can take this action to preserve the integrity of the land, by passing a bylaw. If they don’t, the bunkers are allowed. Local choice rules, at this point.
Farmland is a scarce and vital resource. Forcing communities to accept permanent damage by covering precious ALR land with concrete is extremely short-sighted, and, also, undemocratic.
Our ALR is being amended to preserve the integrity of the soil, as it should be. Issues such as the construction of monster homes, and covering vast expanses of the soil with concrete, are being tackled, by amending the act. Growing in concrete structures is an industrial application, and should take place on industrial land. It could be done on contaminated sites.
It is permitted to grow cannabis in the soil, or in pre-existing structures, on ALR land. Why should communities who wish to preserve a resource that our very survival may depend upon, be forced to accept concrete bunkers on farmland?
Glenda Barr, Lantzville
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