REGINA – The Association of Saskatchewan Realtors says buyers deserve to know if a home was used to make or grow drugs, and is calling for a provincial drug registry.
“A lot of us think we’re here in Saskatchewan and this kind of thing doesn’t happen,” said Bill Madder, the association’s CEO. “But we know it’s here and there are definite impacts on properties.”
It says there are more than 200 properties known as drug production sites in Saskatchewan.
The RCMP and some local police websites post limited information, but realtors are looking for an overarching registry.
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“Provincially, I think Saskatchewan could show some leadership in making this type of a move and be one of the leaders in doing that and a strong step forward for public protection,” said Madder.
The realtors association has met with the province to plead their case, but Justice Minister Gordon Wyant said this is an issue for local chiefs of police and the RCMP.
“Law enforcement really are the best people to determine which properties are best on a registry for public notification,” said Wyant. “I think some cooperation between law enforcement is important.”
Regina police say a provincial registry sounds good in theory, but question the available resources and its effectiveness.
“We don’t know if the grow operations that we’ve discovered represent 10 per cent, 50 per cent, 90 per cent, or 5 per cent of what’s out there,” said Elizabeth Popowich with the Regina Police Service.
Meantime, the owner of B & B Hydroponic Gardening, Darin Wheatley, said if done with proper ventilation, approved equipment, and in small quantities, growing marijuana doesn’t wreck houses.
“I’ve got customers that have the exact same equipment for growing tomatoes and herbs and orchids and other home plants that use the same equipment for growing cannabis,” said Wheatley. “It’s really no different. It’s just the stigma behind the plant.”
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