BRAND-NEW GROW-OP BYLAW NOT ENFORCEABLE

An admittedly unenforceable bylaw ostensibly aimed at marijuana grow
ops was adopted by North Cowichan council.

Bylaw 3246 - the Nuisance (Controlled Substance) Bylaw - requires
landlords of residential and commercial sites to do building checks
at least once every two months and sparked as much debate as a fresh
topic would.

"We have thousands of bylaws that restrict everyday life," said
Mayor Jon Lefebure at Wednesday's meeting. "If they were all
enforced, we'd need an army of bylaw officers, we have one," he said.

The bylaw was introduced as one that could have an impact on
derailing pot growing operations in rental units.

More a preventative bylaw, it would help landlords spot disconnected
service meters, stockpiled items that could be used in grow labs or
crystal meth operations.

"The RCMP has requested it as a tool and it's one we want in our
tool kit," said Lefebure.

The mayor said the law would be valuable to landlords who are having
troubles with tenants and would allow easier access to the
properties by their owners.

"It really provides an avenue for specific cases," he said.

But some councillors dislike the idea of forcing landlords to visit
their properties so often. Councillor David Haywood suggested an
amendment that said once every six months would be more reasonable.
That amendment was defeated.

Councillor Glen Ridgway said the bylaw could cost landlords money if
they have to make an insurance claim against damages to their
properties and it's learned they did not do the required checks.

"It's certainly something insurance companies could use as a method
to say, aEWe're not going to pay.'"

Lefebure said property owners will just have to accept the bylaw as
a part of doing business.

"If there's a cost to it," he said, "well, there's a cost to it."

Ultimately, the bylaw passed, with only Haywood and Councillor
George Seymour voting against it.