Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jan 2009
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Jennifer Smith

COLDSTREAM CRACKS DOWN

Coldstream politicians are eager to make occupants of drug houses
pay.

While it has yet to be determined to what extent the municipality can
potentially do so, several councillors say it is necessary to recoup
the costs of having a drug house in the community.

"It seems to me we should be taking a much harder stand," said Coun.
Richard Enns, who would like to see the costs for inspections ($500
for the initial and $250 for subsequent) increase 10 fold.

"It would be a way to recover some of the greater costs of having a
drug house in your neighbourhood."

Coun. Pat Cochrane agrees.

"I think municipalities should be getting a better return on their
time."

Cochrane would also like to see notices placed on title on the home
that it is a former drug house. He says the notice should remain on
title for several years to warn potential home buyers and give the
effects of a drug house a chance to show up.

"Then the purchaser buys the house with eyes wide open."

He points to a situation in Vernon where a house was purchased but the
buyers did not become aware that it was formerly a drug house until
effects such as mold started to show up.

He fears that could leave a municipality liable.

"I'd hate for that to happen in Coldstream," said Cochrane.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin