NIAGARA FALLS, ON, July 18 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is providing $800,000 in annual funding to the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal to establish a Provincial Task Force on Marijuana Grow Operations, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter and Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor said today.

"We are taking action to protect our neighbourhoods from the serious risk of fire and from the health hazards posed by the toxins and mould that come with these illegal operations," said Kwinter.

"By giving communities the training and education they need to identify and deal with grow operations, we are helping to build safer, stronger communities in Ontario."

"This investment will go a long way to send a clear signal to illegal grow operators that the people of Ontario will not tolerate dangerous drug operations in their communities," said Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor.

"I am particularly grateful to the local police, fire, civic and regional services in Niagara that worked so hard and provided the leadership to put together a workable plan for the province to model a solution upon and provide the funds to implement."

The task force, led by Ontario Fire Marshal Patrick Burke, will work with municipalities, first responders and justice partners to provide advice and develop education and training programs on identifying and effectively dealing with marijuana grow operations.

"During my time as fire chief here in Niagara Falls, I saw first hand the impact marijuana grow operations can have on those living close by," said Burke.

"This investment will help communities across Ontario protect themselves from the threat of fire and serious health hazards that come from these illegal operations."

This new investment is part of a $12-million package of initiatives Premier Dalton McGuinty announced on June 6 to target guns and gangs and fight the impact of organized crime and illegal drugs in communities across the province.