CONTROVERSIAL BYLAW ADOPTED

The bylaw that holds landlords financially accountable for their pot
growing tenants received final approval at Langley City's council
meeting Monday. That means if the RCMP find a rental residence that
is housing illegal activity, like a marijuana grow operation or a
meth lab, and police notify the city about the property that they
have found to be unsafe or unhealthy, the landlord could be subject
to over $1,300 in permit fees.

The bylaw will only be enforced if consultation with the RCMP
concludes that the property has been mismanaged to the extent that
unlawful activity causing health and safety issues was present on the
premises.

If landlords feel the enforcement of the bylaw is unjust or unfair,
they may appeal the decision to council.

According to a report to council, there will be no significant budget
implications associated with the implementation of the Maintenance of
Residential Rental Premises Bylaw.

"What we really wanted to do was put together a bylaw for other
municipalities to use," said Mayor Marlene Grinnell after the Monday
meeting.

Councillors Gayle Martin and Jack Arnold voted against it, while
Councillors Evan Williams, Terry Smith and Sharla Mauger were in
favour. "I'm still concerned that there isn't a clear definition of
due diligence," said Martin at the council meeting.

The fees landlords will have to pay to the city will be $180 for an
initial inspection of the property by the RCMP and subsequent
follow-up with the city inspector.

For each inspection after, but before the permit is issued, there
will be a cost of $390. This is an inspection from the health, fire,
electrical and building inspectors to issue the Section 5 permit. For
each inspection after the permit, there will be a cost of $390. A
re-occupancy letter will cost $240.

According to the bylaw, if any person breaches any provisions of this
bylaw, they could be subject to a fine of $500.