Pubdate: Fri, 12 Oct 2007
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke

ENDERBY BYLAW SHUTS DOWN UNIT

An Enderby residence has been shut down under the city's new 'crack
shack' bylaw.

RCMP enforced the property remediation bylaw Tuesday and shut down one
unit at the Capri Lodge on Highway 97A.

"The one unit was the subject of a warrant on the weekend," said
Maggie Knox, Enderby's administrator.

"This is the first time we've exercised our new bylaw."

Knox wouldn't speculate on whether other units at the motel will be
impacted by the bylaw.

"I'm not sure where the RCMP are at with their investigation," she
said.

RCMP executed a search warrant on the unit Saturday and they seized 28
grams of cocaine, three grams of crack cocaine, 102 grams of marijuana
and a small quantity of cash.

Seven people were inside the unit at the time of the search, with two
arrested.

The Capri Lodge has been the focus of suspected drug activities for
some time.

Under the city's property remediation bylaw, the unit will remain
closed to human occupation until the building owner has had an
assessment done by a professional engineer.

The professional engineer will look for any issues that could pose a
risk to public health and safety.

If remedial action is required, it must be done prior to the city
approving occupancy again.

The Interior Health Authority has also issued an order regarding
sanitary regulations.

Under the IHA order, the business must cease renting any of the
unoccupied dwelling rooms. IHA is also demanding that an assessment be
done of all units and that a report identify any hazardous situations
and any necessary remedial action.

The owner of the Capri Lodge could not be reached for comment, but
RCMP state he is working with them to bring the motel up to code.

Concerns about drugs and prostitution have dominated public debate in
Enderby recently, with Citizens Against Narcotic Drug Operations
forming to tackle the issue.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek