Turns out the political pot fight in Ancaster is not necessarily snuffed out.

Council voted in late March to pursue a settlement ahead of a looming tribunal battle over a medical marijuana greenhouse under construction on Jerseyville Road.

But the deal to avoid a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearing hinges on the grower agreeing to still-secret conditions set by the city with an eye to protecting concerned area residents.

The Green Organic Dutchman sent out a public release the day after the council vote celebrating a "green light" for the 123,000-square-foot facility, which otherwise exceeds the city's rural size limit. The company told investors on its website the settlement was accepted, and growing should begin by June.

City officials, however, caution the settlement is not necessarily a done deal.

Acting city manager Mike Zegarac said the finalized conditions for the proposed settlement were only being formally delivered to TGOD Monday. Until those conditions are accepted, "there is no settlement," he said.

Neither party is allowed to reveal details about the still-secret conditions yet, but Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson said he was skeptical the grower would accept the city's terms.

"I hope they do, but I'm not convinced," said Ferguson, the loudest council opponent of the pot facility.

The councillor said the updated settlement terms are designed "to protect neighbours" from unspecified "potential negative impacts" from expanding pot production. (A smaller facility already operates on site.)

In the past, Ferguson said residents have asked him about the possibility of more truck traffic, light pollution, groundwater use and odour at the property at the corner of Jerseyville and Alberton roads.

He also expressed frustration that the company "prematurely" claimed a settlement existed before receiving the details of council's proposed requirements.

The Spectator has not heard from TGOD representatives since lawyers on both sides had informal discussions about the settlement conditions late last week.

But TGOD public relations representative Ted Griffiths said last Wednesday the pot producer was "aware of the nature of the conditions" when it publicly celebrated the council vote in March.

Government relations vice-president Ian Wilms also said at that time he was "confident" the city's updated proposal would "provide a framework for an agreement."

Regardless, the earliest a settlement can be finalized is April 25 — the next available date for the LPAT tribunal to sign off on a potential agreement between the parties.

If the marijuana producer switches gears and decides not to accept the settlement terms after all, a tribunal hearing would need to be scheduled for the coming months.

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