CITY BYLAW WOULD BILL OWNERS FOR MARIJUANA-GROWING PROBES

DAWSON CREEK - A new bylaw will allow the city to fine owners of
buildings where marijuana-growing operations are found to fund police
investigations, fire inspections and building restoration.

The city will charge $500 for each inspection in addition to any
service charges incurred for fire and police.

The home owner will be required to remove and dispose of carpets and
curtains in the building. If the building is heated with forced air,
the furnace, ducts, vents and filters all must be cleaned by a professional.

"This bylaw is modeled after a number of others that have been
recently introduced in the province of British Columbia in an effort
to fight illegal drug use in communities," said John Malcolm, deputy
chief administrative officer.