WINDSOR TAKES THE INITIATIVE

Call it an MLS service for grow-ops. The Windsor Police Service has
put into action an idea we hope other police services will adopt -
publicizing buildings that were once grow-op sites.

The service lists all buildings that were suspected of housing
hydroponic grow-ops and were subsequently raided by police.

The listings go back to 2005.

They could save people a wad of cash and prevent illness.

Marijuana grow-ops require high heat and humidity, which can spawn the
growth of mould, and damage drywall.

In short, they very often create a sick building. Such buildings
require extensive and expensive renovations to make them suitable for
living or working.

Real estate agents are required by law to let prospective buyers know
if a building was once a grow-op. But that's only if the agent knows
about the building's illicit past.

But landlords and anyone who sells property privately aren't required
to give out such facts.

Enter the Windsor police.

The move all but dares landlords to complain. But it is incumbent upon
a landlord to be aware of what is taking place on his or her property.

Trying to shield the fact a building was used as a grow-op from a
future renter may not be criminal, but it is certainly callous.

Given the increase in grow-ops in recent years, from small homes to
the former Molson brewing plant in Barrie, more police services should
follow Windsor's lead.

The problem isn't going away. Publicizing the old grow-ops would help
prevent the aftermath from hurting the physical and financial health
of innocent people.