The Municipality of Lakeshore will now examine proposed changes to bylaws involving large-scale greenhouses.
Lakeshore councillors agreed Tuesday night to accept draft changes to those bylaws. Councillors also asked the administration to prepare a report on the feasibility of a greenhouse business park.
The draft bylaws are the latest chapter in the ongoing discussion of large-scale greenhouse developments. In neighbouring communities like Kingsville and Leamington, complaints are being addressed about light pollution and foul odours.
"As a Council, we know how important this issue is to our residents, especially in rural areas, so we had to get it right the first time," said Mayor Tracey Bailey. "We’ve exercised the full extent of our jurisdiction to mitigate the negative impacts of greenhouses, and I look forward to continuing these efforts with the direction provided by council."
Among the other proposed changes to the bylaws are increasing setbacks from residential areas and settlement properties, as well as from the boundaries of the Town of Essex and Tilbury. Councillors will also consider changing the classification from "large-scale greenhouse farm" to "commercial greenhouse".
The proposed bylaw changes will be brought before council at the February 28 and March 7 meetings.
