Pubdate: Fri, 26 May 2006
Source: Review, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2907
Author: Pat Burke
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n648/a03.html

FIRE SERVICE ACTS ON PROTECTING HOME BUYERS

First OF ALL, I would like to commend you for bringing to the attention of 
your subscribers the health and safety hazards associated with marijuana 
grow operations.

You are quite accurate in indicating that many homes previously used in 
grow operations across Ontario have been and are being "flipped" on the 
real estate market with little more than a coat of paint to cover up mould, 
or inexpensive cosmetic renovations to cover up any evidence of the 
previous use of the home.

Again, I agree that MPP Mario Sergio's private member's bill certainly has 
merit and is a step forward in protecting the home buyers in Ontario 
communities.

Two years ago or so, Niagara Falls Fire Services recognized the hazards and 
the real estate implications for unsuspecting home buyers.

A recommendation was made to the Real Estate Board that agents representing 
purchasers should be asking whether the home being considered had ever been 
used in a marijuana grow operation.

In Niagara Falls, the Fire Services works closely with the Niagara Regional 
Police on grow operations issues. Fire Code offences in grow operations are 
aggressively prosecuted.

To protect the potential home buyers in Niagara Falls, Fire Services, in 
conjunction with the Chief Building Official, post orders under the 
Building Code identifying the occupancy as unsafe and prohibiting occupancy.

These orders are then registered on the title of the property ensuring that 
no unsuspecting home buyer will be duped into purchasing a home or a 
building that has been used in a marijuana grow operation.

The orders remain until the property is remediated and the hazards cleared. 
Niagara Falls Fire Services is committed to doing everything practicable to 
protect the citizens of this community.

Pat Burke

Fire Chief,

Niagara Falls Fire Services
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D