FORTIFICATION BYLAW EYES THE BAD GUYS

City councillors have taken a first step towards a bylaw that would
prohibit excessive fortifications of city properties for illicit purposes.

Many Ontario municipalities are dealing with an increase in
clandestine drug laboratories, home grow marijuana operations, crack
houses and increasing gang collaboration and activity, says a report
by city staff. These criminal elements are sometimes fortifying their
properties to circumvent unwanted interference, mainly from police.

The intent is not to stop private citizens from installing security
measures that make them feel safe in their homes, said city planning
director James Riddell, who noted the issue involves a "fine line."

On Monday morning, a city council committee authorized staff to do a
report outlining the implications of passing a fortification bylaw.

The request for such a bylaw came from the Guelph Police Services Board.

"Unfortunately, I think we are moving towards a time where we have to
look at this," said Coun. Laura Baily. "The last thing you want in a
neighbourhood is a home that no one can get into or get out of."

Mayor Kate Quarrie said Guelph is seeing more marijuana grow houses,
"and I think we are trying to get some proactivity here."

Coun. David Birtwistle, who chairs the planning, environment and
transportation committee, suggested the main aim of the bylaw is to
"discourage biker gangs" that buy properties and fortify them with
"cameras and, I guess, gun ports and everything else."

Riddell said city staff will do a best practices review of how other
municipalities are handling the issue and will work with Wellington
County on consistent, reasonable restrictions on fortifications.

"It's not an easy topic," he noted.

Riddell said similar bylaws elsewhere exempt banks and federal
buildings and provide for others to apply for an exemption at city hall.

"Does somebody who has a bomb shelter in their home have excessive
fortification?" asked Coun. Dan Moziar.

Riddell replied that city staff will work with the police service on
definitions.

City solicitor Lois Payne said enforcement of such a bylaw would be
by police and city staff.

There haven't been any court decisions so far related to this sort of
bylaw, "so it's a bit early to tell how enforceable" it would be, Payne said.