Governance

Denman trustees direct staff to draft marihuana bylaw

The proposed bylaw would prohibit intensive production outside Agricultural and Light Industrial zones and define it as more than ten plants.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2015-10-27 · compiled 2026-09-06

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The Denman Island Local Trust Committee directs staff to prepare a bylaw prohibiting intensive marihuana growth and production in all zones except the Agricultural and Light Industrial zones. The direction also calls for a definition of “Intensive Marihuana Production” as production of an amount in excess of ten plants, and for a Project Charter. ^[1]

The committee says the current Land Use Bylaw does not differentiate marihuana plants from other plants. It says growing and selling marihuana is not a violation of the local bylaw in zones permitting agriculture or horticulture, while enforcement of federal rules is the responsibility of the federal government or police. ^[1]

Trustees indicate that the process will begin with a public meeting to assess the direction the community might favour. They also discuss initially prohibiting intensive growing in all zones except the Agricultural Land Reserve and consulting the public about a Light or Semi-Industrial zone or other strategies. ^[1]

In response to questions about operations on Baikie Road and in the Fillongley subdivision, trustees and Bylaw Enforcement Manager Miles Drew say the Baikie Road permit was granted under older regulations and is being transferred. They say the Fillongley operation is considered “grandfathered” under current regulations because the intent has been established. ^[1]

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