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.