REGISTER FORMER 'GROW-OPS'

Buying a new home is scary enough without worry that it might have a
criminal past, especially when prospective homeowners are operating at
the outer limits of affordability.

As we've seen in the past couple of months, future risks can be
significant. The housing market can cool and prices decline, eroding
your equity to the point where you could end up owing more than it's
worth.

But, historically, over time those risks have been less important than
the risk of hidden defects, such as we've seen with leaky condos.

. And growing operations can leave homes with hidden electrical or
structural hazards in addition to mould that can cause respiratory
problems that can be serious for some people.

Buyers need access to a ... reliable source of information on whether
the home into which they are about to pour their life savings has had
any scrapes with the law ... .

Illegal drug operations are not good neighbours. A registry could
help.