'BIKER BUNKER' BYLAW BROACHED

NEW DUBLIN -- Council plans to introduce a "biker bunker" bylaw
January 26 to prevent fortified grow houses and biker clubhouses from
gaining a toehold here.

Elizabethtown-Kitley council instructed planning director Barb Kalivas
to prepare a bylaw for review, following a short presentation on
"fortified" buildings at council Monday night.

If passed, the bylaw would provide an extra tool law enforcement
officers could use against grow houses or biker clubhouses and act as
a deterrent to those wishing to establish them within the township,
Kalivas told council.

While the township is not overwhelmed by the problem, Councillor John
Johnston said the bylaw is needed.

"Unfortunately, it's something we have to do if it acts as a deterrent
before it happens," Johnston said. " It's preventative."

If passed, the bylaw would guard against "fortified" buildings, those
with excessive security measures - such as grow houses with bars on
their windows, numerous cameras, electrified doors, and booby traps to
deter police or criminals from entering. The bylaw would likely
provide some exemptions, such as lands owned by police and banks.

The homes are a concern not only because they pose a risk to police,
firefighters and paramedics should they enter, but may pose a
community safety concern because living near fortified bunkers or
clubhouses may threaten to ensnare neighbours in gang rivalries, said
Kalivas in a report to council.

The planning director said the bylaw would serve a dual purpose. It
will provide another tool for police when dealing with property or
gang-related investigations. The bylaws can also prevent people from
establishing fortified homes within a municipality.