POLITICIANS AIR CONCERNS OVER CITY'S POT PROBLEM

Hamilton councillors have asked city staff to conduct an expanded air
quality study of three east-end apartment buildings that 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 the pot bust occurred.

"There is a concern about mold 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 mold 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 is
new for the city and police to handle.

"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 11,000 plants worth about $11 million
in 48 units in three high-rise apartment buildings on Violet Drive.
The buildings are owned by Di Cenzo Management Inc.

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