Pubdate: Wed,  5 May 2004
Source: Northumberland News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing, Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/nn/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2373
Author: Vince Versace

COBOURG LOOKING AT WAYS TO DEAL WITH GROWING PROBLEM

COBOURG -- The first draft of a bylaw dealing with hydroponic marijuana 
home-grow operations is a proactive measure the Town and police need to 
take, says the local police chief. "We have had to contend with a few thus 
far and have no reason not to believe others exist which have not come to 
our attention," says Police Chief Garry Clement.

The bylaw would "prohibit excessive hydroponic activities" and make it 
easier to dismantle a marijuana home-grow operation using Town building 
code bylaws and fines. Instead of waiting for criminal proceedings to be 
completed, police could use the bylaw to begin dismantling a home-grow 
operation right away. Chief Clement says should Cobourg become a target of 
numerous grow operations, Cobourg police would not be able to cope. The 
draft bylaw was presented to the Cobourg Police Services Board for the 
first time on Thursday, April 29.

"I hope this provokes some thought, it is about stepping out of the box and 
looking at things," explains Chief Clement. "We do not have the resources 
to do everything to get into these places and we need everyone together to 
get this into play."

Councillor Lloyd Williams, Town protection services co-ordinator, says the 
draft bylaw is still in its early stages and he is sure there will be 
plenty of change and debate.

"It will be reconsidered further by the board," says Coun. Williams.

While working on the Town's fortification bylaw, which prohibits 
alterations to windows with materials such as steel plates or bulletproof 
shutters, Chief Clement discussed with the Town solicitor the idea of the 
hydroponic marijuana grow bylaw. Chief Clement says he received a positive 
response from the solicitor and it was "deemed a viable option."

Excessive hydroponic activities under the bylaw are described as electrical 
power boosts, installation of 1,000-watt lights (used to aid the growth of 
plants) and the bypass of legal hydroelectric hook-ups. The bylaw would not 
apply to hydroponic vegetable, florist or shrubbery operations.

Marijuana home-grow operations pose a greater risk for a fire, create 
health hazards due to mould and chemicals used in the operation and 
evidence has shown that the operations are situated in residential 
neighbourhoods, says Chief Clement.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart