AIR QUALITY STUDY ORDERED FOR GROW OP APARTMENT BUILDINGS

Hamilton councillors have asked city staff to conduct an expanded air
quality study of three east end apartment buildings where police last
week found a massive marijuana grow operation.

Politicians also unanimously approved during a special council meeting
March 23, to create a protocol for dealing with multi-residential grow
operations. Hamilton has a protocol for single-family grow operations.

"We want to alleviate some of the concern of the residents in the
other units," said Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins, who represents the
area where the pot bust occurred.

"There is a concern about mould and there could be problems if it has
spread to other parts of the building, such as common areas, floors
and stairwell."

A report on the air quality, including if there is any mould in the
units is expected to be presented to the city in a few days.

Mr. Collins said grow operations found in multi-residential units are
new for the city.

"But I'm sure it's not going to be the last," he said. "We want to get
the police and the (city) to look at other multi-residential units."

Police say the cost to clean up the potentially toxic material from
the grow operation could reach $2 million. Any costs to clean up the
three buildings will be the landlord's responsibility.

Last week, Hamilton police found 11,838 plants worth more than $11
million in 49 units in three highrise apartment buildings on Violet
and Delawana drives and Grandville Avenue. The buildings are owned by
Di Cenzo Management Inc.

The pot bust was the largest grow operation in Hamilton history.