MORE DRUGS IN MARKHAM?

Judging by the number of police busts this year alone, Markham seems to be
a haven for home-based, pot-growing operations. But is the problem really
growing, or is it just keeping up with the town's zooming population?

"Drug use is no worse than it was 50 years ago," says Margaret Tolksdorf.
"But the population is bigger and it is easier to get a hold of drugs."

The mother of five is upset over what appears to be an increasing number of
pot houses in Markham.

She says such operations bring shame to the community and something has to
be done.

"Hydro suppliers should check metres more often to see who's using all the
energy to grow the marijuana," she says, since grow labs require a huge
supply of electricity.

Sandy Ho, owner of Discover Music Centre in Markville Shopping Centre, agrees.

"The pot houses are getting worse. The government needs to put a task force
together to look into it," he says. "Break-ins in Markham are also getting
worse. I think the two go hand-in-hand."

Ms Tolksdorf also commented on the upcoming deregulation of the province's
electric sales market.

"I'm against the deregulation because if we give the power to other
companies, one will take over and prices will go way up," she says.

Dave Speed of the Markham Fire Department says that he has learned his
lesson about deregulation.

"I went for the deregulation for natural gas prices five years ago, right
before the prices dropped," says Mr. Speed. He added that he will stay with
his current electrical supplier.

Fred Collins of the Scarborough Shriners club was recently in town as a
part of a health and safety expo at Markville Shopping Centre. Mr. Collins
says that he always loves visiting Markham even if he just stays in his car.

"I love the flower arrangement at Hwy. 7 and Main Street. My wife and I
sometimes drive up here just to see it."

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff fortunes continue to be a hot
topic around town.

"It's nice to dream but it doesn't seem very likely," says Mr. Collins of
the Leafs' Stanley Cup chances. He wishes captain Mats Sundin could return
from his injury, but noted, "He's a great player, but one person does not
make a team."

Mr. Speed has a more optimistic outlook of Toronto's odds.

"I'm all Maple Leafs," he exclaims. "I'll be painting my face blue and
white if we win the cup."