Pubdate: Tue, 27 Oct 2009
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Rafe Arnott

LEGAL GROW-OPS POSE A RISK TO CITY RESPONDERS

It doesn't seem to matter whether pot is being cultivated illegally 
or with a permit, both types of grow-ops suffer from shoddy 
electrical work and sub-standard construction codes that can put 
firefighters and emergency responders at risk.

The problem, according to Dept. Fire Chief Mike Helmer of Abbotsford 
Fire and Rescue, is that because of privacy laws, and a lack of 
communication between municipalities and the federal government - who 
issues and regulates the legal marijuana-growing permits - police, 
fire and rescue and ERT services don't know where the legal grow-ops 
are located.

"By law [growers] don't have to tell us, which is a problem. Because 
if they are legal, why not tell us then we're well aware of them?

"Then we can assure that they are safe, because we have gone into a 
number of them and they aren't safe."

As it stands now, neither the city nor the fire department has any 
idea if a permit has been taken out, and Helmer said it is concerning 
because of the extra load a grow-op puts on the electrical system. 
"This is the conundrum, they're legal . . . but they're not that safe."

Helmer said there needs to be a change in the confidentiality laws to 
allow the city and emergency services to be aware of the location of 
these legal operations.

"Absolutely, [we need change], then the appropriate agencies can be alerted.

"Just like you're going to open a day care, we make sure it's safe, 
that the proper precautions are taken and the same thing goes for this."

Abbotsford Mayor George Peary agrees with Helmer's assessment and 
would like to see a better understanding on the matter between Ottawa 
and the city.

"If someone has a licence to grow marijuana legally, then the city 
should be aware of that and make sure that the operation is properly 
wired and plumbed."

Peary said he is aware of privacy rights, but it would be a small 
courtesy for the feds to let municipalities have a heads-up on legal grow-ops.

"Have they set it up so it is operating without being a fire hazard?

"We don't want to place our citizens, firefighters or others at risk 
if they have to respond."

Abbotsford Conservative MP Ed Fast said that wherever possible he 
would like to see better information-sharing happen, but that the 
government does have to be cognizant of any privacy concerns Canadians have.

"We're not going to violate any laws . . . but there are probably 
ways around that.

"For example there is nothing preventing applicants for medicinal 
marijuana licences to volunteer that information."

Fast said safety is always an issue, but didn't think that providing 
a subsidy for those not reporting their legal grows not because of 
privacy issues, but because they couldn't afford the necessary 
electrical/construction upgrades, would be supported.

"I'd be surprised if government would subsidize that kind of 
construction upgrade."
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart