FIRE SERVICE ACTS ON PROTECTING HOME BUYERS

First OF ALL, I would like to commend you for bringing to the attention of
your subscribers the health and safety hazards associated with marijuana
grow operations.

You are quite accurate in indicating that many homes previously used in
grow operations across Ontario have been and are being "flipped" on the
real estate market with little more than a coat of paint to cover up mould,
or inexpensive cosmetic renovations to cover up any evidence of the
previous use of the home.

Again, I agree that MPP Mario Sergio's private member's bill certainly has
merit and is a step forward in protecting the home buyers in Ontario
communities.

Two years ago or so, Niagara Falls Fire Services recognized the hazards and
the real estate implications for unsuspecting home buyers.

A recommendation was made to the Real Estate Board that agents representing
purchasers should be asking whether the home being considered had ever been
used in a marijuana grow operation.

In Niagara Falls, the Fire Services works closely with the Niagara Regional
Police on grow operations issues. Fire Code offences in grow operations are
aggressively prosecuted.

To protect the potential home buyers in Niagara Falls, Fire Services, in
conjunction with the Chief Building Official, post orders under the
Building Code identifying the occupancy as unsafe and prohibiting occupancy.

These orders are then registered on the title of the property ensuring that
no unsuspecting home buyer will be duped into purchasing a home or a
building that has been used in a marijuana grow operation.

The orders remain until the property is remediated and the hazards cleared.
Niagara Falls Fire Services is committed to doing everything practicable to
protect the citizens of this community.

Pat Burke

Fire Chief,

Niagara Falls Fire Services