Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2007
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340
Author: Jennifer Saltman, Staff Reporter

POCO SLAPS NOTICES ON POT AND METH HOUSES

Port Coquitlam city council decided Monday to place notices against 
the land titles of four homes formerly used as marijuana grow 
operations and methamphetamine labs.

It was a first for the city, and a measure taken to protect possible 
purchasers and encourage the owner to clean up the property.

"This is the first step in the bylaw enforcement process," director 
of development services Kim Fowler explained during the meeting.

The notice will read: "(a) a resolution relating to the land referred 
to in the building inspector's report has been made under Section 57 
of the Community Charter; and (b) further information about it may be 
inspected at the municipal hall."

Fowler said staff can remove the note when the permit process is 
complete and the work has been done.

"It's a simple administrative procedure," she said.

Two other options include a remedial action requirement under Sec. 73 
of the Community Charter to have work done because the building on 
the property is in or creates an unsafe condition, and court 
prosecution up to $10,000, under Sec. 5 of the Offence Act.

Three of the properties are on the north side of Port Coquitlam, and 
one is downtown.

The house at 3819 Sefton St. was found to be a grow op on Oct. 26, 
2006. That day the city sent a letter to the owner about bylaw 
requirements, but to date the owner has not contacted the city to 
discuss plans for remediation.

Alterations to the property included a barricaded front door and 
electrical, structural and mechanical alterations.

A fee of $1,242.43 plus police costs has been charged against the 
property to recover costs under the controlled substance nuisance bylaw.

Police and fire officials raided the house at 2446 Kelly Ave. on Nov. 
24, where they found not only a marijuana grow operation, but also a 
methamphetamine lab.

"This is a fairly high-risk site," Fowler said.

Fowler said the owner contacted the city on Feb. 2 to say he wants to 
demolish the building, although no demolition permit has been applied 
for or issued.

A whopping $79,909.53 has been charged against the property to 
recover costs under the controlled substance nuisance bylaw.

The most recent marijuana grow operation was found Feb. 13 at 4024 
Mars Pl., where structural, mechanical and electrical alterations 
were done to accommodate the operation.

Fowler said the property is particularly high risk because the owner 
has expressed a desire to move in new tenants immediately.

"This one is a concern," she said.

Charges to recover costs under the controlled substance nuisance 
bylaw are pending.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine