Timmins’ planning department has received at least three inquiries from proponents interested in setting up a cannabis production or processing facility, it was revealed at city council this week.

Following the presentation of a detailed report outlining practises in other municipalities, council passed a resolution directing Cindy Welsh, the city’s manager of planning, to begin the process of amending the City of Timmins Zoning Bylaw which would incorporate provisions for cannabis production and processing facilities.

Several councillors embraced this direction as a step towards a potential economic opportunity for the City of Timmins.

“I do want to keep moving this forward and looking forward to consulting on this because ever since the Ontario Cannabis Store opened, there has been a product shortage and so this is definitely an opportunity for industrial growth in our community,” said Coun. Michelle Boileau.

In the preparation of its report, city planning staff reviewed the policies and practices of 33 Ontario municipalities that have regulations for cannabis production and processing facilities.

Welsh said the plan is for the City of Timmins to borrow ideas and adopt the best practices from those other municipalities.

Coun. Joe Campbell, who was chairing the meeting in Mayor George Pirie’s absence, said, “Wherever we go with this, the best practices cannot discourage people from coming and setting up here.

“I did a little research on cannabis (operations) in Smiths Falls and the economic boom to that town is tremendous and we want to be able to, if possible … take part in that economic boom.”

Campbell said whatever policies council adopts, it shouldn’t “discourage someone from coming and setting up here.”

As with any amendment to the zoning bylaw, Welsh said this would be a “public process under the Planning Act” which would include a 20-day notice period and a public meeting providing citizens to express opportunity to express concerns or share ideas orally or in writing.