Directors spent about 45 minutes this morning in discussion of just what to do with the idea of legal grow-ops on farmland in rural areas – with no real resolution.

The federal government is getting rid of all small “user” grow-ops and choosing to allow and regulate about 100 large operations in Canada to supply persons needing doctor prescribed “pot”. The new regulations going into effect next spring.

The problem – directors of the Okanagan Similkameen Regional District would like to regulate such operations but have limited or no tools as the Agricultural Land Commission has already ruled – the production of marijuana is an acceptable farm use of property within the land reserve.

Directors want help from local MP’s an MLA’s to tell government this new federal idea is a worry to the community that could mean increased policing.

George Bush, Director for Cawston says the RDOS should stay out of it as this will allow for more income for farmers that may be struggling with non-economic land in the ALC.

Tom Siddon, Director for Kaleden*/OK Falls says he is quite concerned as he is looking at one application for such an operation in his area. He believes that if the operation is all indoors – how can that be agriculture – vs – industrial.

A motion Siddon made to allow such operations only in industrial areas and regulated failed.

Staff will study the issue further and invite representatives from provincial and federal governments to speak at a future meeting.

Lawyer Don Skogstad addressed the board saying this is the future and the choices for local government are limited. He urged the board to speak out to representatives of senior levels of government that are behind the new initiative.

Skogstad said it would cost each applicant at least a half million dollars to get a license. Each grow-op must be fenced, with limited access and security monitors viewing the plant 24 hours a day.