Pubdate: Thu, 20 Jan 2011
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Page: A14
Author: Sam Cooper

GROW-OP LAW BLITZED

Mission's controversial grow-op bylaw is under attack on two fronts.

A councillor is seeking to rescind the bylaw, and 74 residents have 
reportedly joined to file a class-action lawsuit against the district.

As The Province reported recently, a number of Mission residents have 
complained that their homes were searched for pot grow-ops and they 
were slapped with fees and repair orders costing upward of $10,000 -- 
all on questionable evidence.

On Tuesday, Coun. Jenny Stevens asked that a motion to rescind the 
bylaw be considered by Mission council on Jan. 24.

"I've become increasingly concerned about the bylaw to the point I'm 
saying . . . are the negative consequences outweighing the benefits?" 
said Stevens.

"If [dissent] is getting this vociferous, you need to look at the 
beginning of the problem, which is this bylaw."

And on Tuesday evening more than 100 bylaw critics attended an 
emotional meeting in Mission's library to air concerns, says Mission 
man Stacy Gowanlock.

Gowanlock -- who says his house was searched in 2009 and hit with 
thousands in fees and repair orders despite never growing pot in his 
home -- said 74 citizens at the meeting signed onto the class-action 
lawsuit he is leading.

In mid-December, the B. C Civil Liberties Association's Micheal Vonn 
led a delegation to Mission council, warning grounds for a 
class-action suit are strong, and searches are "putting innocent 
people under horrible duress."

On Wednesday, Vonn said the BCCLA intends to join the class-action 
suit, a statement of claim is being drafted and it is expected to be 
filed soon.

"Our opinion is, fining people for imaginary grow-ops does nothing to 
increase safety in Mission," she said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart