Pubdate: Thu, 18 Dec 2008
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Kevin Diakiw
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

GROW-OP FEE TO GO UP 70 PER CENT

It's going to get more expensive for people found with a grow-op, or 
other electrical hazard in their home.

Surrey launched the Electrical Fire Safety Initiative (EFSI) three 
years ago, a program that shuts down residential marijuana grow 
operations by tracking their high power consumption records. It has 
been fully "self-funded" through a $2,100 fee charged to the 
homeowner after inspection. The initiative is becoming more expensive 
for the city, so it's passing on the extra costs.

"Due to the fact that grow operators continue to adapt to the 
pressures and scrutiny of Surrey's EFSI inspections by becoming more 
innovative in how they acquire electrical power, it's taking longer 
to prepare for, and investigate, a file...," fire Chief Len Garis 
wrote in a report to council Monday.

Because of that, Garis asked the fee be raised from $2,100 to $3,520 
- - a 68 per cent hike. He noted that other municipalities charge much 
more, including Richmond ($3,800), Mission ($5,200) and Coquitlam ($6,800).

Statistics since the launch of the EFSI program: 1,226 sites have 
been inspected; 828 had electricity shut down for safety concerns; 
153 homeowners given a seven-day notice to repair; 118 residences 
that were determined to have electrical safety hazards contained a 
total of 227 children.

Surrey council endorsed the proposed fee hike at its regular meeting Monday.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom