Pubdate: Wed, 14 Sep 2005
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke

CITY CLAMPING DOWN ON DRUG HOUSES

The City of Vernon is moving quickly to crack down on drug
houses.

Three readings of a bylaw were approved by council late Monday to deal
with residences involved in the illegal drug trade. Adoption is
expected at a special council meeting today.

"There's a problem and why dally around with it," said Coun. Barry
Beardsell of the rapid legislative process.

Under the controlled substances property remediation bylaw, a property
deemed to be involved in drug activities could have its electricity,
water and natural gas turned off.

"It essentially allows us to board the house up," said Leon Gous, the
city's general manager of community services.

Utilities will not be restored until the property has been cleaned up
and inspected and the property owner has paid associated fees.

They will also be responsible for the RCMP's costs including removal
and storage of equipment and substance material.

In the event costs are not paid, they can be added to the property
taxes.

The bylaw also refers to a health and safety notice which would be
posted on a property. It states, "no person may occupy or use these
premises for any commercial use until cleaning and remediation have
been completed and certified."

Complaints have originated from Mission Hill recently about drug
houses, but other neighbourhoods have also had problems. "It's a
tragedy," Beardsell said of the negative impact on
neighbourhoods.

"The bylaw won't solve it forever but hopefully it will bring some
comfort to residents."

The bylaw, which is based on a similar law in Kamloops, arose after
council met with Insp. Clair Hayward, of the Vernon RCMP.

"It's being taken very seriously not only by us, but by council," said
Hayward.

"Drug houses are showing up where ever but certainly the people on
Mission Hill are fed up and I don't blame them."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin