Pubdate: Tue, 03 Apr 2007
Source: Whitby This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 Metroland, Durham Region Media Group
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/info/whitby/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3823
Author: Lesley Bovie

NEW POT LAWS MAKE FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES

Town Likes Being in the Know About Grow-Ops

WHITBY -- Local councillors are high on new legislation that requires 
police to notify municipalities when a marijuana grow house is 
discovered in their community.

"It allows us as a municipality to undertake a regular inspection of 
such a residence within the framework of the new Municipal Act," said 
Councillor Lorne Coe.

Previously, a home used to grow marijuana could be put back on the 
market after an arrest, posing a serious fire safety hazard for 
potential home buyers and the surrounding neighbourhood, members of 
council argued.

"We've had about 10 operations in this Town over the years and it's 
unbelievable what they can do," said Councillor Joe Drumm, pointing 
to such things as unsafe electrical wiring.

Durham Regional Police has informed Whitby that in the event of such 
a discovery, it will notify the clerk of the home municipality in 
writing as laid out in the amendments made last year to the Municipal Act.

The Act also requires a municipality to inspect the home or building 
and steps be taken to make the residence safe for the public.

Mayor Pat Perkins wondered if a registry of such homes should be 
listed on the Town's website.

Information of that kind is included in the site's property file at 
the Town, said Clerk Paul Jones.

"If (prospective home buyers) do their due diligence and research any 
outstanding work orders on the property they'll see it," he explained.

Whitby plans to meet in the future with police and other neighbouring 
municipalities to discuss the matter further, Mr. Jones said.

Councillor Gerry Emm thanked local residents who have unearthed 
grow-ops in Whitby with their tips to police. One Town staffer found 
evidence of a grow-op while picking up garbage from the home, he said.

"It's such a cunning way they go about getting electricity," Coun. Emm added.

One councillor thought the legislation should go further to demolish 
unsafe grow-ops.

"Some of these homes are left sitting for years and it's not safe for 
the neighbours," said Councillor Shirley Scott.
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