Residents encouraged to make the call
Flyer in your hydro bill asks you to keep an eye out for grow-ops

by Michelle Minnoch

Innisfil Hydro is one of four hydro companies pairing up with Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin- Muskoka in the fight against marijuana grow operations. So far they have had a few calls to their tip line (1-800- 222-TIPS).

"Residents of Innisfil should have received the information in their last hydro bill," said Jennifer Kinsella, Police Regional Coordinator for Crime Stoppers. The flyers provide information regarding the hazards of grow-ops and how to spot one.

She said the idea came about when community members started questioning as to who pays the extra costs associated with a grow-op.

"The wiring is done illegally and is unsafe," she said. "Not only are there electrical and environmental hazards, but of course, fire safety hazards as well."

Kinsella said eventually the hydro bill has to be paid and the hydro companies turn to "the rest of us". She said the information, which includes a tip line, can bring the community together, ridding the area of grow-ops and other potential dangers. She said where there are people growing drugs, there also may be fire arms.

Crime Stoppers approached the local hydro companies, who she said were more than willing to come aboard and distribute the information with peoples' bills. Along with Innisfil Hydro, hydro companies in Barrie (which also includes Bradford, New Tec, Penetangushine), Collingwood and Orillia have stepped up to the plate, and distributed the information.

"Over 113,000 households have the information. We also distributed information during Kempenfest, Meet your Police at Sobey's Alcona and will be at Carrotfest in Bradford."