Pubdate: Fri, 4 Jul 2008
Source: Free Press, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.midlandfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2613
Author: Douglas Glynn
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)

COUNCIL TARGETS GROW-OPS

Bylaw Establishes Protocol Between Town, Police

Council has passed a bylaw to ensure that buildings  used as marijuana
grow operations undergo inspection  and are restored to meet all
standards before anyone  can live in them.

The bylaw establishes a protocol agreement between the  town and the
Midland Police Service, whereby the police  will notify the town
whenever they locate a marijuana  grow op.

Once the police investigation is concluded, a notice  will posted on
the building indicating it has been used  as a grow op. Then, a
co-ordinated inspection could be  undertaken by the bylaw officer,
fire department, hydro  supplier, building inspector, the children's
aid  society, immigration and other agencies, as required,  to ensure
the premises are safe before it can be lived  in.

Police Chief Paul Hamelin said buildings -especially  houses -used as
grow ops have often undergone  structural changes and alterations to
the electrical  wiring to bypass meters.

"They also can have mould problems caused by moisture  and that can
create health problems," he added.

"The whole idea is to ensure that premises used as a  grow-op are
restored to a safe state for anybody who  might later occupy the residence."

The bylaw could have a side benefit for people buying a  house or
renting. The fact a property was declared a  grow-op could be noted on
the title at the registry  office, or the town could make available a
list of  properties that have been designated as growops.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake