Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jul 2002
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Raquel Exner

CAPITAL HEALTH DECLARES POT PARTY'S HOUSE UNFIT

The Marijuana party's office has been condemned and declared unfit for 
habitation after a sleeping area in the building was found to be unsafe.

Capital Health received a complaint about the 10253 97 St. office and store 
last Thursday and declared it unsafe the next day because the commercial 
space is connected to residential accommodations without a fire-separation 
wall.

As well, there were no windows that could be opened or a smoke alarm in the 
sleeping area.

Environmental health officer Glenn Jenkins said the sleeping area has to be 
separate from the business - that could be done by adding a living area to 
the back and installing a separate door, so anyone living inside could 
escape in the case of a blaze.

Of course, the add-on suite would have to meet fire, building and zoning 
codes as well as minimum housing and health standards, said Jenkins.

He added if no one was living in the office, he wouldn't have a problem 
with it reopening.

The property is co-owned by Ken Kirk, the former leader of the Marijuana 
Party of Alberta. Kirk and the other owner have to leave the building 
before or on Aug. 5.

At the end of June, Kirk was ousted from the party by three members of the 
executive council.

Party president Reginald Normore said while the office is closed, members 
can stay in touch via the Internet until a new office is found. He insists 
he didn't know about the problems.

"I didn't realize the sleeping area was there. As an office, it was a good 
place. It's unfortunate. Sometimes these things happen."
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MAP posted-by: Ariel