Pubdate: Fri, 09 Dec 2005 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Times Colonist Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/grow+operations GROW-OP-BUSTING PROJECT HONOURED Electrical Inspections Drive Growers Out Of Neighbourhoods VICTORIA -- A Surrey pilot project to weed out marijuana grow-ops is being recognized with a Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Public Safety. The project came about because so many grow-ops were cropping up in Surrey that authorities couldn't keep up with the number of tips, fire chief Len Garis said yesterday. "It was becoming a very prevalent problem in terms of the number of fires that were occurring," added Garis, who will receive the award today along with Darryl Plecas of University College of the Fraser Valley. A provincial task force was struck and the Surrey project got under way in March. The initiative essentially involves the fire department filing freedom-of-information requests for hydro bills of suspected grow-op addresses. Once the information is obtained, officials knock on the door of the home with an order for an electrical inspection. If no one is home, a notice is left informing the resident of a pending inspection. Grow-ops are notorious for electrical wiring carrying heavy loads, and power being diverted from meters. While not all of the compromised systems found in Surrey are due to grow-ops, most are, Garis said. The team has been in operation for 26 weeks and has disconnected 145 locations where the power systems were compromised. Garis said he'd like to see provincewide legislation easing up on FOI requirements for hydro billing records, and perhaps compelling B.C. Hydro to to provide consumption records on request. "The ultimate goal is to drive these unsafe practices out of our residences," he said. The project is creating interest from around the province. Langford Fire Chief Bob Beckett is studying it and preparing a report for Langford council. "The intent of the program is not one of [criminal prosecution]," said Beckett. "It's about safety, recognizing where many of these grow-ops are in homes where they are occupied by children." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin