amended act
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Province makes changes to condo act
Tough plants for your spring garden
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donna balzer A9
Lake Living Feature A10 – A12 FREE may 16 to may 22 2014 issue 04-19
real estate news from industry experts
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growing concerns Government report could change rules forcing disclosure of grow-op properties in Alberta
Cody Stuart
managing editor
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lberta homebuyers could soon have more protection in place to ensure they don’t buy former grow-ops without their knowledge. Last week, the government released a report titled Grow-Op Free Alberta Recommendations concerning proposed legislation to combat the ill effects of marijuana grow operations on Albertans, their homes and neighbourhoods. Counted among the 37 sugges-
tions contained in the report is a requirement that potential buyers be informed if a house was ever used as a grow-op. Under the current system, an unremediated grow-op must be disclosed, while remediated grow-ops can only be disclosed currently if the seller allows it. “These homes can certainly be repaired and made healthy again. That is not the issue,” said CREB president Bill Kirk. “However, Albertans need to be protected in the event a property becomes sick after re-habitation due to the reoccurrence of mould or other toxins. Guidelines are also needed for properties that fail remediation standards so they don’t become blights on our communities.” Concerns about former grow-op homes stem from potential health hazards created by modifications, including dangerous alterations to electrical and water systems, foundation modifications and the use of toxic pesticides.
grow-ops A3
How to identify a grow op in your neighbourhood Extra security: Marijuana grow-ops often have enhanced security to detect investigation by police or to deter break-ins by other criminals. Security measures may include high fences, flood lights, locks on doors, bars on windows, security cameras and beware of dog signs. Mould: With much higher humidity than a normal home, grow-ops can be havens for hazardous mould. Suspicious residents should be on the lookout for a buildup of toxic mould on the walls, ceilings and in the attic. Improvised electrical and water systems: Custom electrical systems may be installed to provide power to grow-ops. Holes may be drilled in the walls or foundation of the home to bypass electricity or water meters. Criminal activity: Grow-op homes often encourage criminal activity in or around the home such as break and enters, property damage and assaults/violence as a result of crop theft. Occupants may come and go at odd hours, be at the home for short periods of time or rarely be seen. Winter melting: Due to excessive heat from lighting used to grow the plants, a grow-op may not have any snow on its roof, or there may be extensive melting/steam rising around the roof vents compared to other homes in the area. Source: Government of Alberta
kelsey hipkin, Reporter/Photographer
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APR12 MAY12 JUN12 JUL12 AUG12 SEP12 OCT12 NOV12 DEC12 JAN13 FEB13 MAR13 APR13 MAY13 JUN13 JUL13 AUG13 SEP13 OCT13 NOV13 DEC13 JAN14 FEB14 MAR14 APR14
$483,519
Industrial contents vacancy rising news briefs
MLS® AVERAGE PRICE* APR ‘12 – APR ‘14
$550,312
SINGLE FAMILY
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
CREB® president Bill Kirk at a former grow op in Calgary. Recommendations could see major changes regarding the remediation and disclosure of grow ops in Alberta.
CREB® STAFF
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algary’s industrial real estate sector saw the biggest increase in vacancy across Canada during the first three months of 2014. According to a report from industry analyst Avison Young, vacancy in the city’s industrial sector increased to 5.3 per cent during January to March, compared with 3.4 per cent during the same period in 2013. The increase, which was the largest in Canada, came as a result of a surge in new space being brought to the market, as builders added an estimated 3.5 million square feet last year. While leasing activity in the sector was strong, with more than 500,000 square-feet absorbed in the first quarter of 2014 alone, it was not enough to prevent a decrease in the vacancy rate.
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