A public information meeting for a proposed contentious cannabis production facility east of Lumby has been set.
Applicant Green Amber, which was mandated by the Regional District of North Okanagan in December to host such a meeting, will do so Thursday, Jan. 31 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Lumby’s White Valley Community Centre.
It is anticipated Green Amber will make a presentation, have experts on hand and will take questions from the public.
Close to 40 sign-carrying protesters greeted RDNO directors at the entrance to its facility in December when Green Amber’s application was on the agenda.
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The Ontario-based company has applied to build a nearly 108,000 square foot facility on 20 acres on Shafer Road off Highway 6 between Lumby and Cherryville. The facility would employ about 30 people.
Green Amber president Jonathan Fernandes, who owns the property, addressed concerns and questions from RDNO directors about water supply, traffic, noise and parking, but was still required to host a public meeting.
Mike Cadden and Trish Cory’s property borders that of Green Amber’s. They listed their home prior to Green Amber’s application and the parents of four young children say they’ve lost offers on their home because of the proposed facility.
“We have no problem with cannabis; it is the size of the facility,” said the couple. “A facility that is 107,000 square feet with 10-foot high security fencing, 24/7 security guards, exterior lighting, cameras, shipping/receiving bays and a 30-car parking lot do not belong on our quiet dead-end dirt road.
“This facility belongs in the (Village of Lumby) industrial area.”
roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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