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By Liam Verster

'significant problem'

Vernon mayor to ask Health Canada to address cannabis odour

Oct 11, 2023 | 6:30 AM

Vernon’s mayor will be putting pen to paper demanding Health Canada take action regarding an intrusive cannabis growing operation.

Despite having received dozens of complaints from residents about the smell from the business on Kosmina Road, a report submitted to Vernon council at the regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 10, stated enforcement of regulations, policies, legislation and operation programs related to cannabis cultivation falls under the Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch of Health Canada.

The report stated the municipality does not have the authority to enforce those regulations.

Though the city’s hands were tied, council accepted the report while also taking what steps were available to see the issue be resolved.

Council voted in favour of having Mayor Victor Cumming write a letter to Health Canada and demand that the odour be addressed through the proper channels.

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It was also agreed that the letter be forwarded to Mel Arnold, Member of Parliament for North Okanagan-Shuswap, as well.

“Anyone driving by [the facility] on Highway 6, or on Waddington Road, on a bad day will know [about the odour issue] immediately,” Mayor Victor Cumming told Vernon Matters following Monday’s meeting.

“This is a significant problem for our community and Health Canada needs to address it.”