COUNCIL CONSIDERS POT LAW

White Rock landlords-not just their tenants-will soon be on the hook for
expenses related to marijuana grow operations on their property.

City council approved first, second and third readings of its grow-op bylaw
Monday.

White Rock RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim Fisher told council he hopes the bylaw
encourages landlords to keep a closer eye on what's going on inside their
buildings.

The bylaw will give the RCMP the right to call in fire and city inspectors
to a building after a bust is made-and the police search warrant expires-to
ensure it is safe for occupancy, Fisher said Tuesday.

If buildings are unsafe, a landlord would not be able to re-rent the
premises until the damage has been repaired.

Marijuana grow ops are known for causing extensive damage and creating fire
hazards.

Fisher said there has been an average of 14 grow-up busts a year in White
Rock over the past three years.

The new bylaw "cements the responsibility of the municipality to take
action against landlords that allow these things to happen on their
premises. It places the onus on people who rent buildings," Fisher said.

Council referred the bylaw to the policy and procedures committee and asked
for information on grow-op bylaws in Langley and Surrey.

There will be a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 30, when the
bylaw is set for adoption.