Pubdate: Tue, 25 Apr 2006
Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.mrtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

TALKING GROW OPS AT TOWN HALL

Concerns about drugs were at the top of the agenda when people had  
the chance to ask questions of three of Maple Ridge's politicians on  
Thursday.

Mayor Gord Robson, MLA Randy Hawes and MP Randy Kamp took questions  
on a range of topics including homelessness, garbage, gravel,  
apprenticeship programs and finances. About 60 people attended the  
meeting, which was held at Planet Ice.

But during the two-hour meeting, drugs and drug houses generated the  
most discussion.

Mayor Robson was asked what could be done about marijuana grow  
operations in a resident's neighbourhood.

On Thursday, Ridge Meadows RCMP found 691 plants in one home near the  
227 Street and 116 Avenue intersection and another 722 plants in  
another house in the same neighbourhood. The investigation began  
because of hydro theft complaints.

Robson said Friday he knew at Thursday's meeting that police were  
going to raid the homes but didn't know at the town hall whether the  
raid had yet occurred.

"Police were taking them down as she spoke," said Robson of the grow  
ops.

Because he couldn't say anything, a discussion then took place about  
the limited abilities of bylaw enforcement officers to deal with  
marijuana grow operations.

But the most officers can do is issue tickets for violating district  
bylaws, said Robson.

One man then commented that the federal and provincial governments  
need to change laws "so that Mayor Robson can do his job."

Kamp said the drug concerns raised during the town hall illustrate  
how the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government need  
to work together to solve problems.

"No one level of government can deal with this effectively," he said.  
Drugs not only need to be looked at from a law enforcement angle but  
also from a health angle, said Kamp.

Hawes, who organized the meeting, said the town hall reinforced for  
him that local politicians from the municipal, provincial and federal  
levels need to work together.

He said another town hall meeting with this same format will be held  
again, perhaps in the fall.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl