COUNCIL APPROVES RESPONSE PROTOCOL FOR POTHOUSES

It's not just marijuana grow operations that need to cause concern in
the community; the potential for crystal meth labs also can't be ignored.

That was part of council's discussion surrounding a new co-ordinated
response protocol for marijuana grow operations that it approved at
its meeting last week.

Ward 3 councillor Cindy Lunau brought up the danger of methamphetamine
- -- or crystal meth -- labs to council and said it's important not to
focus solely on marijuana grow-ops.

Lunau said crystal meth labs are particularly lethal in the case of a
fire.

"Crystal meth labs are one we need to be on top of because there's no
margin for error," Lunau said, explaining the fumes can be very
dangerous for emergency workers. "It does have a huge potential for
human impact."

Wards 2 and 4 councillor Colin Best said in Peel two people died when
one such lab blew up.

Town director of planning and development Mel Iovio said he'd give a
short report at the next council meeting in January about whether
there's a need for a separate protocol regarding crystal meth labs.

The co-ordinated approach to marijuana grow-ops will involve Halton
police, the Town of Milton and Halton Region, states a staff report.

The protocol lays out who does what, since many agencies are involved
in such incidents. It'll help ensure that once police have identified
a grow-op, the property is made safe for the public.

Marijuana grow operations threaten the safety and security of
communities across the province, the report states. Dangers include
the possibility of fire due to faulty electrical wiring or bypassing
hydro services, poisonous fumes, mould, electrocution and even booby
traps. There's also the threat of violence, environmental damage and
structural damage.

According to the protocol, police will conduct a criminal
investigation of the grow-op occurrence and contact agencies to assist
including Milton Hydro and the Milton Fire Department.

A notice will be placed on the entrance to the grow-op location to
alert fellow residents, and potential risks will be identified, the
report outlines.

The town clerk will assist in providing the name of the last known
owner of the property, and notify the Region's health department and
planning and public works department.

The procedure will continue until all the necessary partners are aware
of what's going on and are able to do their part. Milton Hydro will
disconnect the electricity if necessary, and studies on what needs to
be done to bring the home up to safety standards will be conducted.