Pubdate: Fri, 07 Aug 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

PRO-POT PASTOR SHIFTS SERVICES TO PORCH

Despite orders from the City of White Rock to shut down the Church of
the Holy Smoke - and frustration from the property owner who thinks
stronger action should be taken - it will continue to operate,
according to the man at the helm of the Marine Drive gathering place.

Prior to a brief but tense standoff Tuesday in front of his 14737
Marine Drive rental property, which included White Rock bylaw officers
and several RCMP officers, Robin Douglas told Peace Arch News that he
and supporters of his marijuana-centred church will no longer be
gathering in the tent structure, instead moving the activities onto
the home's porch.

"We're not having any gatherings in the tent, but we are having
gatherings in my new office, which is on the porch of my house,"
Douglas said. "We still have people stopping by and people coming in
and celebrating with us."

The tent is still standing in the yard, now housing his 1993 Cadillac,
however, according to a notice delivered to Douglas last Friday from
the city's director of planning and development, it is still in
contravention of city zoning bylaws due to setback
requirements.

City bylaw officers were at the property Tuesday afternoon - along
with White Rock RCMP officers and the property owner - attempting to
measure the tent and yard.

When Douglas refused to allow White Rock officials access, RCMP
officers threatened Douglas with arrest should he continue to obstruct
the city workers from the yard.

Douglas eventually relented and allowed them on site, noting he was
doing so "under duress."

Exchanges between Douglas and his landlord - who would not give his
name - were heated.

"I gave you a warning to leave this property last month, why are you
still here?" the landlord shouted, referring to an eviction notice
served in early June.

The landlord, who said he has owned the property since 1993 and began
renting to Douglas last November, said he was surprised the situation
has yet to be resolved.

"The City of White Rock can't take care of him?" he said. "I'm totally
surprised. They're sending him all kinds of letters. Just put him in
jail!"

Douglas moved his church operations out of the tent and onto the porch
after the city ordered the tent be removed and operations ceased -
with a deadline of July 31 - citing public safety and the property's
use as an assembly place was in contravention of city bylaws.

A city spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the tent had not been
removed, after Douglas advised officials that "our facility is now
closed as of midnight tonight, Friday the 31st of July."

Because the tent is being used as a workshop, the spokesperson said,
"the public safety issues have been resolved with the cease of
public-assembly use."

A hearing is set with the province's tenancy branch for Aug. 12 to
address Douglas' eviction notice. The landlord said if it is not
resolved, he is "going straight to the ministry."

Douglas told PAN Wednesday that his lawyer is planning to file an
injunction against the city, and that his church supporters will
continue to "worship God without fear of persecution."
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MAP posted-by: Matt