Pubdate: Wed, 11 Feb 2004
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Maureen Gulyas

HOMEOWNERS TO HELP COVER COSTS TO SHUT DOWN GROW-OPS

Delta property owners whose homes contain indoor marijuana growing
operations or methamphetamine labs will soon be fined by the
municipality.

Delta council gave conditional approval to a bylaw, modelled after
similar legislation in Surrey and Port Moody, that will charge
property owners for service costs and fine them up to $5,000 a day for
a continuing offence.

That will help recoup costs associated with building inspections,
removal and disposal of drugs and equipment, the issuance of police
search warrants and even police overtime. The costs can be added to
the property taxes if the owner fails to pay.

"We see this as an opportunity to generate some revenue because when
we take these things down, there are costs," said Delta police chief
Jim Cessford. To ensure full recovery of costs, property owners will
be billed individually for each case.

Municipal planners said this type of bylaw not only helps to recoup
costs, but also acts as a "disincentive to discourage these facilities
from becoming established." Coun. Robert Campbell also sees it as a
health and safety issue.

"Where a grow op or meth lab may be found, they're creating health and
safety hazards for neighbourhoods and for that, I believe it's a
necessary step," he said.

The bylaw was unanimously endorsed by council.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin