LANDLORD OF POT UNITS CRITICIZES COUNCILLOR

The owner of three apartment buildings that housed the largest
marijuana grow operation in the city's history is taking aim at
Councillor Chad Collins.

Anthony DiCenzo said he's tried repeatedly to meet with the outspoken
east-end councillor but hasn't had any response from him in more than
three weeks.

DiCenzo was so frustrated by Collins, he briefly held back an
environmental report due on Monday, saying he would give it to Collins
in person.

"I am somewhat frustrated by what appears to be your willingness and
availability to speak to the media on this matter, but your refusal to
deal with the party who you are openly criticizing," he said in a
letter sent to Collins on Monday.

Collins said he's been working with city staff and that he told
DiCenzo he'd meet with him as soon as the budget was over and air
quality test results were back.

He said they've had numerous complaints about DiCenzo's buildings in
the past and have not had much co-operation from them.

"It'd be great if he would meet with all the neighbours and talk about
some of these issues," Collins said.

He scoffed at DiCenzo "playing the victim."

Despite all of the past problems, Collins said it's only under the
recent media glare DiCenzo has agreed to be proactive.

"If he's willing to fund some upgrades to those buildings, that is
music to my ears."

He's called for upgrades to the building and improvements made to the
screening process.

DiCenzo said Collins is misinformed and that the screening process is
as strict as it can be.

DiCenzo said the only way to avoid the same problem is to have
quarterly inspections of every apartment to see if any repairs are
needed -- a step he is going to implement.

Collins said that would be great but like most people in the
neighbourhood will only "believe it when they see it."

DiCenzo turned in about half the information required by late Monday,
said Marianne Brown, with the city's building department.

She expected the remainder of the report by late yesterday. Brown said
staff are sifting through the information they do have.

In March, police found $12 million in marijuana plants among 49
apartments in three east end apartment buildings -- all owned by DiCenzo.

The clean up is proceeding and apartments are now ready to be
retrofitted so they can be rented again.

Each unit will have to get a clean bill of health from the city before
it's leased.