Pubdate: Fri, 21 Sep 2007
Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.mrtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372
Author: Amy Steele, The Times
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

PITT STICKS WITH GROW-OP INSPECTIONS

Grow ops beware. The City of Pitt Meadows has decided to continue its 
Public Safety Inspection Program, which ferrets out hidden marijuana 
grow operations in neighbourhood homes.

City council voted this week to extend the program for another six 
months. It initially began in February as a pilot project and 
continued until May.

Lesley Elchuk, the city's bylaw enforcement officer, said the program 
has been very successful so far.

As far as public safety goes it's very valuable," she said.

Elchuk said the first step in the program is reviewing BC Hydro 
consumption rates in homes. If the use seems excessive she then 
checks to see if there's a home based business that might explain the 
extra power usage. If the power usage still seems excessive Elchuk 
goes to the home and gives the owner 24 hours notice that an 
inspection will be done. During the inspection, an assistant fire 
chief, building inspector, electrical inspector, two RCMP officers 
and Elchuk show up at the suspicious house. The RCMP officers ensure 
the house is safe for the inspection team to enter and then they wait 
outside for the team to complete its inspection, said Elchuk.

The inspection team checks to see if the electrical system is in 
compliance with the B.C. Electrical Code and city bylaws and if there 
are any fire hazards present.

The program investigated 38 properties. Eight of the properties 
inspected showed signs of a grow op existing. Inspectors found 
evidence of children living in two of those dwellings and the team 
reported their findings to the Ministry of Children and Family 
Development. In two cases the inspection team disconnected the hydro 
because the owner of the home didn't respond to inspection requests.

In houses where there was evidence of a grow op owners were required 
to pay $3,000 to cover inspection team costs.

Elchuk said a similar program is in place in about 15 other 
municipalities, but Maple Ridge doesn't have a program yet.

Elchuk said the program helps ensure public safety because grow ops 
often alter electrical systems in a house, which can pose a fire hazard.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom