Pubdate: Thu, 30 Apr 2009
Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/P92NTYdG
Website: http://drugsense.org/url/WcGUPNub
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704
Author: Matthew Hoekstra

ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS ON HOLD

An electrical inspection program that monitors homes using abnormally 
high amounts of electricity and targets marijuana grow-ops has been 
put on hold again.

Last year a B.C. Supreme Court decision temporarily shut down the 
Richmond program after a judge ruled police would no longer be 
allowed to attend the home inspections.

Council was poised to bring the program back in a slightly altered 
form, but decided against it Monday, instead referring it back to 
staff for more work.

"I think it's only going to strengthen our bylaw and make it more 
conclusive on what we're trying to do and what we're trying to 
accomplish," said Coun. Bill McNulty. "It's going to be a safer and 
more thorough bylaw."

Council faced questions Monday as to what level of electricity use 
triggers an inspection. Concerns were also expressed about the 
continued police involvement in the inspections and the fees charged 
to homeowners who simply use high amounts of electricity.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart