Representatives from Autobahn Freight Lines recently appeared at Mapleton council to answer any questions about their proposed cannabis production facility at the Drayton Industrial Park.
On June 26, agrologist Harjeet Randhawa and Harvinder Singh told council the Brampton-based trucking company would be fronting the money to build the facility, but the business would be separate once running.
A few concerns about the proposed 46,000-square-foot production and warehousing facility surrounded security, waste disposal and smell.
Councillor Marlene Ottens said some residents are concerned about the security.
“Some people are not comfortable with a cannabis facility in the community, so they are just wondering how you would keep curious people from getting in there,” she said.
Randhawa explained the facility will be built according to Health Canada’s guidelines.
“We would have the fencing done as per the requirement for that facility,” he said, adding there would be cameras on the premises to help ensure there are no security breaches.
Another big concern was the possible smell emanating from the facility.
In his presentation to council, Randhawa said the facility would use carbon filters to control odour emitted from the plant and ozone filters to control odour within the premises.
“There will be no problem about that,” he said.
Councillor Dennis Craven asked what would happen to the waste left over from production.
“According to the guidelines of Health Canada we can plant the waste by chopping it and mixing it with the cat litter and it can be denatured and it can be used for further propagation of consumable,” Randhawa said.
“This is how we control the waste management for marijuana.”
Councillor Lori Woodham asked who enforces the rules.
“I understand that the guidelines for Health Canada will dictate and it’s my understanding that it’s outlined of how things are handled … but my next question would be then who enforces it?” Woodham asked.
“Does Health Canada have an agency that will go in and inspect or does that fall back onto the municipality – and if so, do we have the capabilities of doing something like this?”
Randhawa said it’s a Health Canada responsibility.
Council received the delegation for information.
“Thank you for taking the time to come up today and explain what you’re proposing,” said Mayor Neil Driscoll.
“That does help council a lot to have that information.”
