Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2007
Source: Cowichan News Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Cowichan News Leader
Contact:  http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1314
Author: Mike D'Amour
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

BRAND-NEW GROW-OP BYLAW NOT ENFORCEABLE

An admittedly unenforceable bylaw ostensibly aimed at  marijuana grow 
ops was adopted by North Cowichan  council.

Bylaw 3246 - the Nuisance (Controlled Substance)  Bylaw - requires 
landlords of residential and  commercial sites to do building checks 
at least once  every two months and sparked as much debate as a fresh 
topic would.

"We have thousands of bylaws that restrict everyday  life," said 
Mayor Jon Lefebure at Wednesday's meeting.  "If they were all 
enforced, we'd need an army of bylaw  officers, we have one," he said.

The bylaw was introduced as one that could have an  impact on 
derailing pot growing operations in rental  units.

More a preventative bylaw, it would help landlords spot  disconnected 
service meters, stockpiled items that  could be used in grow labs or 
crystal meth operations.

"The RCMP has requested it as a tool and it's one we  want in our 
tool kit," said Lefebure.

The mayor said the law would be valuable to landlords  who are having 
troubles with tenants and would allow  easier access to the 
properties by their owners.

"It really provides an avenue for specific cases," he said.

But some councillors dislike the idea of forcing  landlords to visit 
their properties so often.  Councillor David Haywood suggested an 
amendment that  said once every six months would be more reasonable. 
That amendment was defeated.

Councillor Glen Ridgway said the bylaw could cost  landlords money if 
they have to make an insurance claim  against damages to their 
properties and it's learned  they did not do the required checks.

"It's certainly something insurance companies could use  as a method 
to say, aEWe're not going to pay.'"

Lefebure said property owners will just have to accept  the bylaw as 
a part of doing business.

"If there's a cost to it," he said, "well, there's a  cost to it."

Ultimately, the bylaw passed, with only Haywood and  Councillor 
George Seymour voting against it.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman