In the small hamlet of Oro-Station, located between Barrie and Orillia, a growing player in the cannabis industry has been causing quite a stir. Carmel Cannabis, a four-year-old company based in Oro-Medonte township, has been the subject of numerous complaints from its neighbors. From the overpowering smell that permeates the air, reminiscent of skunks rather than the promised pine notes, to the constant noise and traffic from the indoor grow operation, the locals are feeling the impact. Frustratingly, when they turn to local officials for support, they are met with indifference. As one long-time resident puts it, “Nobody wants to take responsibility.” While Carmel may be legally operating within their designated area, the lack of communication and consideration for the community has left the neighbors feeling ignored.
Neighbours’ complaints against Carmel Cannabis go up in smoke
Introduction
Carmel Cannabis, a growing player in the cannabis industry, has been receiving positive reviews for its products. However, the company’s success has not been met without controversy. Neighbours in the Oro-Station community have been filing complaints about the strong smell emanating from the indoor grow operation. Despite the impact on the community, there has been a lack of response from local officials and a blame game between locals and the federal government. Additionally, there has been a lack of consultation with the community, raising concerns about the company’s operations. In this article, we will explore the background of Carmel Cannabis, the positive reviews of its products, the neighbours’ complaints about the smell, the impacts of the grow operation on the community, and the lack of response from local officials.
Background of Carmel Cannabis
Carmel Cannabis, located in Oro-Medonte Township, has gained recognition in the cannabis industry for its high-quality products. The company has received awards for Craft Brand of the Year, Craft Cultivar of the Year, and Best Sativa Flower. These accolades are a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering what consumers want. Carmel Cannabis has established itself as a trusted brand in the market.
Positive reviews of Carmel’s products
One of Carmel Cannabis’ most popular products is the Animal Face strain. Reviews of this strain highlight its unique smell, which is an important attribute for cannabis users. The strain is described as having a bold pine note that evokes feelings of tranquility and grounding. Overall, the reviews of Carmel’s products have been positive, with consumers praising the potency and quality of the plants.
Neighbours’ complaints about the smell
Despite the positive reviews of Carmel’s products, neighbours in the Oro-Station community have been filing complaints about the smell emanating from the indoor grow operation. Rather than the desired pine note, the smell is compared to that of a skunk. Neighbours have expressed their frustration and inability to enjoy fresh air due to the overpowering smell. Some residents have even considered selling their homes to escape the odor.
Impacts of the grow operation on the community
The continuous smell, noise, traffic, and lights from the indoor grow operation have had a significant impact on the Oro-Station community. Unlike outdoor grow operations that are only a concern during the flowering period, Carmel Cannabis grows a new crop every few months, resulting in a constant problem for the community. The scale of Carmel’s operation is impressive, with massive greenhouses and constant noise from fans. The presence of these facilities affects the quality of life for the community.
Carmel Cannabis’ impressive operation
The operation of Carmel Cannabis is largely unseen from the road and county trail that pass by it. The facility is surrounded by a six-foot high chain link fence topped with razor wire. An electronically-controlled gate and video system monitor the comings and goings of workers, contractors, and visitors. The alignment of eight massive greenhouses, each containing thousands of plants, demonstrates the scale of Carmel’s operation. Despite the impressive operation, the constant noise and skunk-like smell from the facility have become a source of frustration for the community.
Lack of response from local officials
Neighbours have reached out to local officials to address their concerns about Carmel Cannabis. However, their complaints have been brushed off or ignored. This lack of response from local officials has only increased frustration among the affected residents. Despite being elected to represent the interests of the community, officials have shown disinterest in taking responsibility for the issues caused by Carmel’s operation.
The blame game between locals and the federal government
Residents who have concerns with how Carmel Cannabis operates have been advised to contact the federal government, as Health Canada regulates the cultivation and processing of cannabis. This back-and-forth blame game between locals and the federal government has only exacerbated the frustration felt by the community. The lack of resolution or ownership of the issue has left residents feeling unheard and disregarded.
Lack of consultation with the community
One of the major sources of frustration for the Oro-Station community is the lack of consultation regarding Carmel Cannabis’ operations. Many residents claim they were unaware of the facility’s existence until after it was built. The lack of communication from the company and local officials has created a sense of distrust and resentment among the community.
Carmel’s legal right to operate
While residents have expressed concerns about the location of Carmel Cannabis and its impact on the community, the company has the legal right to operate in the designated area. However, this raises questions about the lack of common sense displayed by the previous council in approving a cannabis operation in a residential neighborhood. The legality of Carmel’s operation does not alleviate the issues faced by the community.
Carmel’s lack of response to requests for comment
Despite numerous attempts to reach out to Carmel Cannabis for comment, the company has not responded. This lack of response further exacerbates the frustration felt by the community. It raises questions about the company’s willingness to address the concerns raised by its neighbors.
In conclusion, the complaints against Carmel Cannabis by its neighbors in the Oro-Station community highlight the challenges faced by both the company and the affected residents. The positive reputation of Carmel’s products contrasts with the negative impact of its grow operation on the community. The lack of response from local officials and the blame game between locals and the federal government have only added to the frustration felt by the community. It is crucial for all parties involved to come together and find a solution that addresses the concerns of the community while also allowing Carmel Cannabis to continue its operations within the confines of the law.
