BYLAW INTRODUCED TO CURB DRUG PRODUCTION IN RENTAL PROPERTIES

NORTH VANCOUVER - Landlords may soon have to pay a heavy price if their
rental properties are used for marijuana growing operations or drug
laboratories.

A new bylaw aimed at making landlords and occupants more accountable for
properties set up to produce drugs was introduced at Monday night's city
council meeting. "For a number of very, very sensible reasons, we need to
get a handle on this," said Councillor Bob Fearnley.

Properties used for drug production are vulnerable to problems such as
fires, electrical shocks, carbon monoxide, mould and chemical contamination.
The city estimates it costs around $10,000 in equipment and staff time to
investigate such operations. If the bylaw passes, the owner or occupant
would be responsible for permit and inspection fees and charges totaling
almost $1,000. Bylaw violation would add a fine of $500 to $5,000 for the
owner or occupant.

More than 20 marijuana growing operations were discovered in North Vancouver
in 2003, up from 15 the year before.