An increasing number of houses in communities across Canada are used as indoor marijuana growing operations, or “grow ops”. The houses undergo significant structural changes in order to be used to grow the plants; these changes can compromise the integrity and inhabitability of the house, and can require major repairs and renovations to correct. The average cost to repair a home previously used as a grow op is $41,000, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

The Ottawa Real Estate successfully lobbied the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Police Services to create a “Grow Ops Registry” where the addresses of houses that have had search warrants executed and drug operations dismantled are published online. This service began February 1, 2008. The list can be found here:

Ottawa Police Service - Marijuana Grow Operations

Further information on how to spot a grow-op in your neighbourhood can be found here:

Ottawa Police Service - How to Spot a Marihuana Grow Operation

If you suspect that a home is being used as a grow-op, please contact police immediately.

Here are some links to more information about grow ops:

How to spot a marihuana grow operation:

Marihuana grow ops fact sheet:

Government of Ontario legislation on grow ops:

CTV News - Possible provincial grow ops registry:

Taken from the Ottawa Real Estate Board Web Site http://orebweb1.oreb.ca/growops.shtml

Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract.

An Overpriced Home:
· Minimizes offers
· Lowers agents response
· Limits qualified buyers
· Lowers showings
· Lowers prospects
· Limits financing
· Wastes advertising dollars
· Nets less for the seller

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles or obligation - just honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home!