Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jul 2006
Source: Aldergrove Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Central Fraser Valley Star Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.aldergrovestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/989
Author: Natasha Jones
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

TOWNSHIP ANTI-GROW-OP BYLAW PUTS ONUS ON LANDLORDS

Landlords will be required to make mandatory inspections of their 
rental properties every three months, if a proposed anti-drug bylaw 
is adopted by Langley Township council.

Property owners who breach the provisions of the Controlled Substance 
Property Bylaw, which was given three readings on June 26, face a 
maximum fine of $10,000. If an infraction is a continuing offence, 
every day that the offence carries on will constitute a separate and 
distinct offence.

The bylaw is the municipality's get-tough response to the crime of 
manufacturing drugs and growing marijuana, particularly in residential homes.

The crimes pose a significant danger to residents in the house, to 
neighbours, firefighters and police. In some instances, properties 
are booby-trapped, electrical circuits bypassed and, in the case of 
the production of crystal meth, an explosive cocktail of ingredients 
is used. Marijuana production uses excessive amounts of water and 
heat, creating an environment where mold, a hazard to health, can rapidly grow.

In February, council asked staff to draft an amendment to the 
Controlled Substance Property Bylaw, which spells out what landlords 
have to do to bring their properties up to standards after a drug 
operation has been discovered.

In a report to council, Bill Storie, the chief bylaw enforcement 
officer, said that after a review, "it became apparent that many 
neighbouring municipalities have taken a stronger approach to try and 
stem the continued grow of illegal grow-ops and clandestine (drug) labs."

Richmond, Surrey, Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack have all adopted 
similar substance control bylaws that place more onus and 
responsibility on property owners, and provide greater penalties for 
those who allow their properties to become "a haven for illegal 
activities," Storie wrote.

Thus, rather than amend an existing bylaw, staff drafted a new one 
that is consistent with other municipalities in the effort to combat 
the proliferation of grow-ops and drug labs.

Under the bylaw, police costs will be waived for landlords who report 
illegal activity within 24 hours of discovering it, although they 
will still be on the hook for the cost of repairs and bringing the 
dwelling up to compliance.

In response to concerns from council, administrator Mark Bakken said 
that the practicality of enforcement should work well. He said that 
if authorities see that a landlord is doing the right thing, the 
landlord should face no further challenges.

Councillor Kim Richter suggested that tenants might find inspections intrusive.

"There is always the potential for it to be viewed as intrusive," 
Bakken replied, adding that the Residential Tenancy Act requires 
landlords to give written notice before an inspection can take place, 
so "there will be no surprise visits."

Although the bylaw's main target is residential properties it applies 
to commercial and industrial zones, too.

Before council considers final reading of the bylaw, a public 
information meeting will be scheduled.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman