Pubdate: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Canoe Inc Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837 Author: Matt Kieltyka, 24 Hours Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids) LEGAL GROUP FILES SUIT OVER RAID The city has stepped up too late, according to the Pivot Legal Society, which has launched a lawsuit against the city on behalf of seven Pender Hotel Residents. The lawsuit was filed in January after residents alleged they were illegally detained and unfairly treated during a Hazmat search of the Downtown Eastside building for a drug lab, which turned out not to be there. Pivot lawyer David Eby said that six months after firefighters kicked in several doors in the building, the city has failed to repair any of the damages until recently. "Women were left for months with no security in the DTES," said Eby, who is suing the city for $140,000. "They're looking for compensation for being detained illegally, stress and property damages and being put at risk." Although Eby says the city has begun to take action, it should have never taken half a year. "The city has a bylaw that allows them to order the landlord to make repairs or they can go in themselves and do it but they have refused," he said. A settlement hearing is expected for 2007, unless a settlement is agreed on before then. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom