County rolling out agreement for marijuana grow operation protocols and fees
Administrator | Oct 12, 2017 | Comments 9
A first marijuana grow operation protocol agreement has been created for Prince Edward County.
This does not relate to new legislation, if passed, that will allow Canadians to grow and harvest four small plants in their homes. It is directed toward safety measures related to properties converted for the purpose of growing, as Canada moves to legalize recreational marijuana, possibly by July 1, 2018.
The proposed agreement covers protocol for the Prince Edward OPP detachment, fire department and the County, and fees to help cover inspection costs. The purpose of the document is to provide effective, co-ordinated response when dealing with premises that have run a marijuana grow operation in that the building may be unsafe for future occupants unless major repairs are made.
“The safety of the personnel involved in the process and that of the public is of paramount importance,” the report states, noting grow operations can pose safety threats.
Buildings converted for use as grow ops may have been modified structurally with holes chopped through floors, frames weakened by rot, or foundation walls compromised by theft of electricity. Ventilation, carbon monoxide and moisture levels are also a concern.
The report notes hydro is often stolen and there can be exposure to live wiring meaning the property, or possibly neighbouring land, can become electrified. Grow ops can also contain chemicals of unknown origin or content, often in unmarked, or alternate containers.
To date, the municipality has not been advised in writing by the OPP or fire department of any grow operations.
A first 185.81m² (2000 ft²) inspection is set at $355 with each additional 185.81m² (2000 ft²) inspection set at $45. The fees, council was told, are in line with those set by other municipalities.
Filed Under: Local News
Chuck – I don’t know what you mean by adding what costs, or how taxes will hurt us (not unless you plan on smoking the weed) and that will be the same as smoking tobacco (I think). As far as unionized labour goes – why not? The more good jobs that we can provide people, the better. I sure don’t want to live in a place where the future for the young are tied up in minimum wage jobs with no security nor benefits. I would think that if you are not going to be taking part in the “weed,” there would be very little impact on your pocket. Then again it would interesting to know how much we are currently spending on police and court cost to prosecute marijuana offenders, not to mention the cost of lost jobs and lost reputations over ridiculous marijuana charges. Personally, I believe legalizing it in the way that is being planned makes sense.
Dennis; if they keep adding costs, taxes and unionized labour it won’t remove the criminal element. They will price themselves out of the market for many. Government has a very difficult time running anything in a cost effective manner.
The issue of legalizing marijuana has been around for years. For anyone over the age of 16, they are no doubt aware of this. Legalizing it does not mean that it doesn’t come with rules and responsibility – anything but. Just like drinking booze or prescription drugs, the user must be held responsible for their actions. If anything – by legalizing marijuana, it takes the criminal element off the street and if it can add money to the tax coffers,all the better. Maybe then we can build those affordable houses that someone recently mentioned.
It will just be more convenient for Justin to step out Saturday night,purchase a bit of weed legally and settle back for a little R+R but as far as controlling the illegal grow ops I don’t see that happening. The OPP/Mounties will still have to police then search and destroy any growers illegal set up so no cost savings there.The cross border transporting will continue as it always has and life goes on. Combine this with the legally home grown for personal use only plants and it won’t be the cash cow (tax) the Liberals think it will be. Just look back to the 20s when the US feds attempted to regulate and control illegal booze.Crime increased dramatically with the power struggle of the gangs.
History repeating itself.
One thing that does concern me is the possibility of a few stoners showing up to vote on issues that will affect us all. This includes MPs,MPPs, right down to local Councillors. Should a drug test be mandatory first? What level of tcp is considered over the limit to allow voting on important issues? lots of questions and not enough time and research has gone into this part of legalizing weed.Should a random drug test be part of the everyday job description?
How do you pretend to beat the black market cost with regulated producers, a sur tax and LCBO union wages? Can’t compete.
Marijuana can really negatively effect young minds. This will be a slippery slope.
Marijuana comes with some great pitfalls as well. Particularly youth.
Marijuana consumers deserve and demand equal rights and protections under our laws that are currently afforded to the drinkers of far more dangerous and deadly, yet perfectly legal, widely accepted, endlessly advertised and even glorified as an All American pastime, alcohol.
Plain and simple!
Legalize Marijuana Nationwide!
The “War on Marijuana” has been a complete and utter failure. It is the largest component of the broader yet equally unsuccessful “War on Drugs” that has cost our country over a trillion dollars.
Instead of The United States wasting Billions upon Billions more of our yearly tax dollars fighting a never ending “War on Marijuana”, lets generate Billions of dollars, and improve the deficit instead. It’s a no brainer.
The Prohibition of Marijuana has also ruined the lives of many of our loved ones. In numbers greater than any other nation, our loved ones are being sent to jail and are being given permanent criminal records which ruin their chances of employment for the rest of their lives, and for what reason?
Marijuana is much safer to consume than alcohol. Yet do we lock people up for choosing to drink?
The government should never attempt to legislate morality by creating victim-less marijuana “crimes” because it simply does not work and costs the taxpayers a fortune.
Marijuana Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality that’s approaching much sooner than prohibitionists think and there is nothing they can do to stop it!
Legalize Nationwide! Support Each and Every Marijuana Legalization Initiative!
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK…Mean while more pressing matters like affordable housing and infrastructure issues air bnb regulations take a back seat to the more important matter of regulating grow ops… WTF