Cites 'Overriding Error' by Judge The judge presiding over one of the trials in association with Niagara's largest pot bust to date committed an "overriding error" in staying the charges. That's one of the reason the Crown has filed an appeal against the ruling of Justice P. B. Hambly in the case against Massimo Spagnoli and John Shore. A notice of appeal was filed by the Crown requesting the stay be set aside and the pre-trial hearing for the two men, Spagnoli of St. Catharines and Shore of Fonthill. The two were facing multiple charges in relation to the 2008 sweep which saw police raid facilities in Lincoln, Thorold and Wainfleet. [continues 361 words]
Port Colborne now has a protocol to follow when grow-ops are discovered by police within city limits. The new policy will give staff the authority to deem buildings, which were used to cultivate marijuana, unsafe and prohibit occupancy. The concept behind the new policy is to inspect the premises to determine if there is evidence of typical grow-operation effects on the property including electrical tampering, structural alterations, water damage and mould growth. If any such problems are found, the city will have the authority to issue a building order and order prohibiting occupancy until the building is remediated. Former grow-op houses would have to be repaired in accordance with a professional and qualified air quality consultant and eventual certification that the building is clear of all hazards. [continues 116 words]
BIA Urges The Public To Report Any Illegal Behavior On Front Street THOROLD -- Downtown businesses want to get drugs out of downtown. At a Business Improvement Area meeting Tuesday, the committee learned of recent discussion at a Community Policing Committee meeting where the problem was discussed with members of the Niagara Regional Police Services. Joanne Buzila, a concerned resident and business owner on Front Street, reported the discussion to the BIA noting it is up to the individual to defeat the problem. [continues 384 words]
Merchants, Residents Concerned With Activity On Front Street THOROLD -- Two downtown residents and businesswomen made a plea to the Niagara Regional Police Monday during a monthly Community Policing Committee meeting. Joanne Buzila, owner of Spirit of Beauty, and Cathy Mellor, who works at Windowcraft Home Improvements want to feel safe in their homes and businesses. The reason for their discomfort is drugs, a problem they say is taking over the downtown. Buzila, who has lived and owned a business on Front Street for four years, said she has witnessed many different interactions involving drugs at all hours of the day and night. [continues 354 words]
Thorold -- Downtown Is Being Watched. A program launched earlier this year by the city's Business Improvement Area is in full swing. Downtown Watch acts similar to the popular Neighbourhood Watch program, urging downtown businesses and landowners to call the police if they see suspicious behaviour taking place. The BIA launched the program following a survey of downtown merchants, landowners and workers. Forty surveys were distributed, and 21 were returned -- 16 from businesses, three from residents and two from workers. From the survey the BIA found 81 per cent felt safer in the downtown core during daylight hours. Major issues identified include drug offences, graffiti and loitering. [continues 435 words]
