As many as 80 full-time jobs will be created when a medical marijuana greenhouse run by the former OPP commissioner begins operating in Grimsby.

The proposal, however, has left area residents with concerns about its impact on the rural community.

Aleafia Health Inc. announced last week that it has closed its deal to purchase a 14,400-square metre (160,000-square-foot) greenhouse at 378 South Service Rd. — formerly Freeman Herbs — with plans to harvest its first crop of medical cannabis by the end of this year.

When operational, the facility is expected to create 60 to 80 full-time jobs, to be filled locally, said company spokesman Nicholas Bergamini, Aleafia's vice-president of public affairs.

Bergamini said the company — its board chairman is former Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Julian Fantino — said choosing Niagara for the Vaughan-based company's second production facility was an easy decision.

"The Niagara region is blessed with a workforce with tremendous experience in greenhouse horticulture, along with a unique climate that has made the decision for Aleafia to call the region home an easy one," Bergamini said.

"We are deeply committed to being responsible partners with local communities and stakeholders. Aleafia will help grow the tax base while making a significant impact on the region's economy by hiring primarily from the local talent pool."

But the prospect of additional jobs isn't enough to quell concerns from some residents or Mayor Bob Bentley.

Bentley said the town gets "complaints on a regular basis" about existing medical marijuana greenhouses. And he's concerned about what he described as a lack of government oversight for licensed marijuana producers.

"Certainly, the speed with which these facilities are popping up is a concern for sure."

Although the South Service Road location appears relatively isolated, there's a large residential subdivision just across railways tracks to the southwest, as well as nearby community facilities such as the YMCA.

Bentley said the prevailing winds in the area blow from the southwest to the northeast, but winds do occasionally change direction and "we could see major complaints." Even with emission controls in place, "you still have odours," he added.

Members of a local ratepayer group called Grimsby Citizens For Responsible Growth share concerns about the development, as well as concerns about the town's approval of the plans. Group member Adam Mottershead said the property is too close to residential areas to accommodate the facility, but the town's committee of adjustment recently cut setback requirements nearly in half, to 80 metres — down from 150.

"The question of the required minimum lot size, 16.2 hectares where the site is actually less than six hectares, was simply brushed aside and not addressed in the town's planning report," he said.

Although some municipalities have raised concerns that they have limited options available to them when dealing with marijuana facilities, Mottershead pointed out that some communities are instead developing bylaws to address issues.

"The Town of Grimsby needs to adhere to and enforce their own bylaws and setbacks, as these were written on the principle of good planning," he said.

Bergamini said the development of its Niagara greenhouse is being led by an experienced and highly qualified team, with a "strong track record of using state-of-the-art design to create efficient, secure production facilities."

"We have worked diligently with local officials and are proud to point to our track record of having no concerns raised regarding odour at our previous production facilities," he said.

Mottershead said Aleafia's management want to be good corporate citizens and will be responsive to correct any issues. But nevertheless, the ratepayer group as well as neighbouring residents, he added, will be watching the facility.

Asked about potential expansion when recreational marijuana is legal, Bergamini said the company is "committed to securing product for medical cannabis patients in Canada and this facility will ensure we achieve that objective."

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"We are also deeply committed to educating Canadians about the benefits of medical cannabis as a safe alternative to addictive opioids," he said.

Allan.Benner@niagaradailies.com

905-225-1629 | @abenner1