ANTI-POT-GROWING BYLAW SHUTS HOMEOWNER OUT OF HIS HOUSE

ABBOTSFORD - A homeowner is still frustrated that he has been shut
out of his house because of a bylaw aimed at curbing
marijuana-growing operations.

On Monday, Mike Morino appeared before city council to express his
frustration at not being allowed to live in his house, which
investigators say is in contravention of the city's Controlled
Substance Property bylaw.

"It didn't answer any questions," he said after the presentation,
which was more than 20 minutes.

The bylaw, created in 2004, bans "the unlawful use of properties for
marijuana grow-ops and the trade or manufacture of controlled substances."

After examining Morino's house, which he bought in July, inspectors
found the water heater, wiring and garage did not meet building
safety standards. On March 6, the water and heat to the house were
shut off and Morino was told he was forbidden to live in the house
until repairs were made. He was also billed for fees related to the inspection.

"I'm getting these huge fines. I can't live in my house. It's crazy,"
Morino said at the meeting.

Mayor George Ferguson acknowledged Morino's situation. "There's a
situation here where the house doesn't meet all the necessary
standards," Ferguson said. "You have a problem and it has to be dealt with."

Morino said there was no growing operation when he bought his house.
On Monday he expressed concern his reputation was harmed because of
the inspection.

Coun. Moe Gill said the concern is not related to it being a growing
operation. "It is a safety concern," Gill said.

Councillors passed a motion to have staff produce a report on
Morino's property.