Pubdate: Thu, 20 Mar 2014
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Kevin Diakiw
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

CITY CRACKS DOWN ON POT HOMES

Medical pot grow-ops in residential homes have to be shut down as of 
next week (April 1), and the City of Surrey will be following up to 
make sure the houses are safe.

People ignoring the city's requests for remediation work may face 
thousands of dollars in inspection costs.

The clean-up initiative comes as Health Canada ends the ability for 
people licensed to use medicinal marijuana to grow it at home (see 
story, page 3). Medical pot now must now be purchased from regulated 
commercial producers.

In Surrey, about 1,000 homes have been used to grow pot for medicinal 
purposes, according to Surrey Deputy Chief Dan Barnscher.

He told the Surrey Police Committee Monday that the city knows the 
locations of 309 of the homes.

Some of the risks associated with decommissioned marijuana grow 
operations include chemical residue, mold in the walls and unsafe wiring.

Barnscher says notices will be going out to homeowners on April 1, 
and they will be expected to begin remediation work within 30 days.

If they don't, Surrey will send out inspectors and charge the homeowner $5,200.

Every month after that, bylaw officers will show up, which will cost 
the homeowner between $800 and $900 per visit.

Barnscher said the fees are to recover the cost of staff time. 
Refusal to pay will result in the fees being added to property taxes.

The city is asking homeowners to hire a qualified professional to 
conduct the remediation work.

A list of qualified professionals can be found at 
http://www.surrey.ca/city-services/14325.aspx
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom