1. Imperial Tobacco – WeedMD
Turning Over a New Leaf
Imperial Tobacco – WeedMD

2. Market Transition
Aylmer was the home of the Imperial Tobacco processing plant from
55 Acre site
Over 1mn square feet under roof
Peak employment of 80 full time staff and 515 seasonal workers
Closure announced in 2005, facility closed in 2007

3. Elgin Innovation Centre
Site was purchased and transitioned into the Elgin Innovation Centre in 2010
Open minded ownership group set out to fill over 1mn square feet of multi-tenant space
Bespoke independent 3+ acre parcel available
Existing building c. 26,000 square feet
Application in 2013 for Medical Cannabis License
Began growing and storing plants in 2016
Final approval to sell from Health Canada in April 2017

4. Keys to Success
Council support for embracing new ideas for the facility
Early consultation with Council from the applicant regarding the intended use – letter of support
Medicinal cannabis was not as politically charged as recreational cannabis
Zoning by-law for Heavy Industrial Zone already permitted a pharmaceutical and medical products industry
Converting the existing building did not require substantial changes or Site Plan Approval
Applicant had the ability and means to commit to the necessary security improvements required for a licence

5. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…
One facility created its own cluster opportunity
Inquiries for industrial land purchase for production of Cannabis increased to approximately one per month since 2016
Many inquiries are urgent, unlicensed and unreliable – be prepared to confirm where you are located!
Producers are large users of utilities – be prepared to address the cost associated with water and power in your municipality
Innovation in this industry is moving much faster than typical municipal processes can support

6. What can you do to be ready?
Understand if your municipality is classifying production as agricultural or industrial production
Confirm how your zoning by-law addresses both medical and recreational cannabis
Confirm if greenhouses are permitted in industrial zones
Understand the lengthy approval timeframe for licencing – extend land sale development clauses
Address all aspects of the industry in your zoning by-law – production / bi- products / oils etc.
Retail cannabis opt-in shows general support for the industry

7. It’s a growing industry…
WeedMD was listed on the stock exchange on April 27, 2017
Companies continues to expand and grow their operations
Product innovation is a key theme across the industry
Recreational cannabis appears to have supercharged the market for existing producers