Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jul 2015
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Melissa Smalley

July 24 deadline

COUNCIL DECLARES CHURCH 'NUISANCE'

The City of White Rock has declared a tent structure that houses a 
marijuana-focused religious organization on Marine Drive a 
"nuisance," ordering it removed within the next 10 days.

City council voted unanimously Monday evening to adopt a resolution 
brought forth by the city's director of planning and development, 
Karen Cooper, regarding the 14737 Marine Dr. property, where Robin 
Douglas opened a gathering space known as the Church of the Holy 
Smoke more than three months ago.

The resolution addresses a number of issues with the tent on the 
property, noting it is an "eyesore" and "out of character with the 
neighbourhood," it does not comply with city bylaws or provincial 
building regulations, and it has been the subject of complaints about 
smoke, garbage and noise from neighbours.

The motion calls for Douglas to remove the tent structure on or 
before July 24, and authorizes the city manager to arrange for its 
removal and disposal if it is not dealt with by the city's imposed deadline.

Douglas was caught by surprise Tuesday morning when informed of the 
city's decision, telling Peace Arch News he was not aware that the 
issue was being brought to council.

"It strikes me as odd that they would sneak it past without my 
knowledge or letting us know to defend ourselves in a proper forum," 
Douglas said. "I find it incomprehensible that the City of White Rock 
would take on a free-loving, peaceful movement that has nothing but 
good intentions and use Hitler-like tactics to destroy them."

Issues were first raised about the Marine Drive gathering place in 
early June, when a resident filed a complaint with the city, 
concerned the makeshift church appeared to encourage drug use.

At the time, Douglas told PAN that the church was meant to be a place 
for people to gather and smoke cannabis and to "keep pot off the 
beach and off the street." Douglas insisted that there was no selling 
of marijuana taking place, and only those 18 and older were granted entry.

Shortly after the church began to attract attention, Douglas was 
served a 30-day eviction notice from his landlord, which he said 
plans to fight with the tenancy branch.

The city had issued at least two rounds of fines prior to passing 
Monday's resolution.

Upon hearing about the city's decision, Douglas said he spoke with 
his lawyer and plans to file a human rights violation complaint 
against the city on religious grounds.

"The Charter of Rights in Canada gives you a right to freely practise 
religion without the fear of prosecution," Douglas said. "That's what 
we're doing, and we're being prosecuted for standing up for our 
religious beliefs."

- - with files from Tracy Holmes
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom