The complex originally built for a medical marijuana facility on Manning Road is getting a new use.
Owner Jim Shaban received approval Tuesday night from Lakeshore Town Council to use the facility for a film studio. Council approved a three-year amendment to the zoning bylaw to permit the use in the agricultural zone.
"I looked at what I had after my previous tenant left, and I said let's go for the whole thing," says Shaban.
Shaban says he hopes to attract major film productions.
"If we can get that work, capture the tax credits we have in Canada, we can bring that work here, and create those jobs. That's what it's all about," says Shaban.
Many neighbours continue to voice frustrations over the height of the fence and the conditions of the site.
The owner has agreed to plant large cedars around the perimeter of the property to disguise the 12 ft barbed wire fence. He says he will also maintain the grounds and fix the drainage on the site.
