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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl