MORE CITIES JOIN TREND TO MAKE DRUG LANDLORDS PAY

North Vancouver is considering a bylaw to slap landlords with the price of
the drug bust if they rent to marijuana grow operations.

Surrey was first off the mark with a bylaw in 2001 that charged landlords
for busts, and has recovered more $700,000 in police costs.

Since then, most cities in Greater Vancouver have introduced similar
bylaws, and the rest are considering them.

"I really don't believe that it's not an issue in any city," said Richmond
Coun. Linda Barnes.

"We know Surrey has been successful with their laws and we're following hot
on their heels."

New Westminster Coun. Casey Cook said he is "very interested" in a similar
law, and the city will consider it within the next year.

"Everywhere you have people you have grow-ops," he said. "If you think you
don't, you've got your head in the sand."

Burnaby Coun. Colleen Jordan and West Vancouver Coun. Bill Soprovich said
bust laws are in the pipeline. West Vancouver may pass its law before August.

If the North Vancouver bylaw passes, the owner or occupant would have to
shell out inspection fees of almost $1,000. Violating the bylaw would mean
a fine of $500 to $5,000. It costs about $1,700 to bust a grow-op.