Barrie will investigate requiring medical marijuana production facilities to obtain a business licence so the city can share information with firefighters and police.

The city gave initial approval this week to allow the facilities to locate in either standalone or multi-tenant buildings in its general industrial zone — a category that includes the Bayview Drive area as well as older areas off Dunlop Street West.

Because medical marijuana producers are regulated by Health Canada, privacy legislation protects who they are and what they are permitted to produce.

“I have had enough concerns expressed by the police that I would not want to proceed until we have some answers. This is not a commentary on the manufacturers or the use. It’s from the concern of our most senior police official,” Mayor Jeff Lehman said.

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In October, Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood pointed out the facilities do not need to be municipally inspected to ensure compliance with fire and building codes, nor provide an account for the distribution of their product.

She also raised the issue of mould growth affecting tenants who occupy the space after a marijuana producer ceases operation.

Lehman said municipalities can issue licences for public health reasons.

Infrastructure and investment committee chairperson Coun. John Brassard wondered if Barrie should follow Mississauga’s lead in requiring medical marijuana producers to obtain a business licence, which costs $250 and allows city staff to inspect the facilities.

“It would give us greater authority,” Brassard said, adding the city wouldn’t have to rely on trying to get information from Health Canada, which protects the privacy of those using medicinal marijuana.

But city clerk Dawn McAlpine said the Municipal Act doesn’t empower a municipality to license a manufacturing plant.