By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Municipality of Lakeshore is advancing new policies aimed at regulating the expansion of commercial greenhouses, introducing a suite of stricter requirements and studies intended to protect surrounding communities and the environment.
During a recent meeting, Lakeshore Council voted in favour of modifications to Official Plan Amendment No. 18 (OPA 18), a long-debated planning document that outlines the municipality’s approach to large-scale greenhouse development. The changes come in response to ongoing concerns from residents about the industry’s rapid growth and its associated impacts, particularly in rural areas.
Council’s updated recommendations focus on placing new limits on where greenhouses can be built and require a series of assessments to better manage potential consequences related to odour, lighting, water usage, and infrastructure stress. While greenhouse operations have become more common across southwestern Ontario, Lakeshore’s leadership has made it clear that proactive planning is needed to maintain the municipality’s rural character and quality of life.
If approved by Essex County Council—the upper-tier authority responsible for Official Plan oversight—the changes would introduce significant buffers between future greenhouse developments and sensitive areas. These include a 1,000-metre setback from all secondary settlement areas, a 550-metre setback from residential properties, and a 5,000-metre setback from the Hallam Observatory, a local scientific research site.
These setbacks are part of a broader package of land-use restrictions intended to minimize disruptions caused by greenhouse lighting and odours—frequent complaints from neighbouring property owners.
In addition to location limits, proposed greenhouses would be required to undergo several technical assessments before approval is granted. These include a master drainage study to assess watershed systems and mitigate erosion and flood risks, a water quality study to evaluate downstream effects during and after greenhouse construction and operation, and a financial and community impact study to determine how each project could affect local infrastructure and social well-being.
“Greenhouses have been a concern for many of our residents, and we’re happy to see our vision for a comprehensive regulatory regime take shape,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey.
“While we have recognized that we are not able to stop greenhouses altogether, these measures ensure that our residents, as well as Lakeshore’s rich agricultural land, are protected.”
The changes to OPA 18 have been in development for more than two years. Originally submitted to the County of Essex in early 2023, the amendment has gone through multiple rounds of public consultation and revision.
In February 2023, Lakeshore Council hosted a statutory public meeting to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders on potential zoning and planning bylaw changes related to large greenhouse farms.
Following public input, Council directed administration to revise the policies to include stronger protections, such as eliminating odour and light pollution, enhancing waste management protocols, and expanding required buffer zones.
Further discussions in October 2024 led to additional refinement of OPA 18. At that time, Council reaffirmed its stance against unregulated greenhouse sprawl and requested new components for the amendment, including annual monitoring of regional greenhouse trends, evaluation of future water main expansions, and an analysis of agricultural land values and market demand.
Council also deferred a decision on whether to proceed with a greenhouse business park, a centralized zone where large-scale greenhouses could be clustered and better serviced by shared infrastructure. That study remains under review, with administration expected to report back after Essex County makes its final determination on OPA 18.
With Lakeshore’s endorsement now in place, the revised amendment returns to Essex County Council for a final decision. If adopted, the new rules will significantly shape how and where greenhouse operations can grow within the municipality.
“This is about managing growth responsibly,” said Bailey.
“We’re taking the steps necessary to ensure future development in Lakeshore is respectful of its communities and supports our long-term vision for sustainable agriculture and healthy neighbourhoods.”
A final staff report with updates on the potential greenhouse business park and future implementation timelines is expected later this year.
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