A local cannabis producer will be expanding its roots in Chatham-Kent.
Municipal council green-lit a zoning amendment Monday night to increase the company’s maximum floor area from 30,000 square feet to 34,500 square feet.
The amendment is for a piece of land located on the south side of Longwoods Road between Caledonia Road and Centre Side Road in Chatham.
"The lands are approximately 34 acres in area and contain a cannabis production facility, a vacant building, and vacant agricultural land," the report read. "The lands are designated agricultural area in the Chatham-Kent Official Plan and zoned Holding-Agricultural."
According to the report, a zoning by-law amendment was approved in March 2018 for a cannabis production facility on the property. The current zoning permits this use as-of-right in an enclosed building.
"The current zoning also contemplates an additional 120,000 square feet of building space for this use," read the report. "However, the Phase 2 development is the subject of the current Holding Symbol. Specific conditions are required to be met before allowing any development beyond 30,000 square feet in an enclosed building for cannabis production."
An existing structure located at the most northeasterly corner of the subject property along Longwoods Road was going to be demolished as part of the current approval. Now, the building is being contemplated to serve as storage of supplies and equipment to support the facility's operations.
"Phase 1 of the development is complete and occupancy has recently been granted for the new 30,000 square feet cannabis facility, which is the maximum building size permitted at this time for the cannabis production use," read the report. "To allow for the existing building to be utilized as a part of Phase 1 of the cannabis production facility, an amendment to the current zoning is required to allow for the additional 4,500 square feet of enclosed building space for this use."
