PITT EYES PROGRAM TO DETER GROW-OPS

Pitt Meadows could soon begin an alternative approach to deter
residential marijuana grow-ops.

Council in committee will discuss today an alternative that would put
public safety above criminal prosecution. Under a proposal, district
staff would begin a three-month pilot public safety inspection program.

Under the program, RCMP would forward suspected grow-ops to a team
comprised of a bylaw officer, fire inspector, building official and
electrical inspector. RCMP would also be on hand during inspections to
keep the peace.

Using police information, the team will verify and gather additional
evidence, said bylaw enforcement officer Lesley Elchuk, who wrote a
report for Tuesday's meeting.

Research, including a review of utility consumption information such
as water and power, would be undertaken to determine if there could be
a grow-op inside a residence.

If there's enough information, a notice would be placed on the front
door and 48 hours later the team would conduct a public safety inspection.

A no-occupancy notice would be posted when an electrical bypass,
mould, or furnace modifications or tampering are found.

"It's another option for us for eliminating grow-ops and crystal meth
labs," said Elchuk, who wrote a report for Tuesday's meeting.

Elchuk points out in her report that electrical bypasses are fire
hazards, with new conductors added to steal power before electrical
meters can register the increased usage.

"This is extremely dangerous: it is usually done by an unqualified
electrician that is tampering with live electricity."

Many grow-op fires result from electrical bypasses, she
said.

Mould, the result of high levels of heat, humidity and water
concentrated in an enclosed room for a long period of time, is also a
concern at grow-ops and can result in allergens, irritants and - in
some cases - potential toxicity, said Elchuk.

Marijuana growers make numerous modifications to a residence that
could make it unsafe for inhabitants, she said, and the district's
sewer system might be contaminated when waste is discarded.

Both Abbotsford and Surrey have had "great success" with their
three-month pilot public safety inspection programs, said Elchuk.

In Abbotsford, 30 houses were investigated during its pilot project,
and 20 bypasses were found.

Based upon Abbotsford numbers, Pitt Meadows staff estimates the cost
to the district at $31,000 - for staff time - and recovery fees at
about $6,000.

Elchuk recommends that council amend its grow-op bylaw so that if a
grow-op is found, the homeowner would pay $3,000 for a special safety
inspection cost.

The cost for shutting off the water distribution system, reconnecting
a water distribution system and re-inspecting water distribution are
all $150 each.

There would also be a $500 cost for re-inspecting the water
distrubution system if it's been altered or tampered with.

The district's grow-op bylaw allows staff to discontinue water service
when used in conjuction with a grow-op.

The bylaw must be amended to include the service fees for council to
consider the program, which grew out of a discussion with Ridge
Meadows RCMP, said Elchuk.

At the end of the three-month pilot program, staff would report back
to council and tell them how successful the program has been. At that
time, staff also would recommend either continuing or abandoning the
program.

During the three months, Elchuk estimates that up to 10 suspected grow
ops in Pitt Meadows.

Coun. Andrew Tolchard said he believes grow ops should be dealt
through federal law and is frustrated that Pitt Meadows staff is
having to spend time fighting grow-ops.

"It requires a lot of hard evidence," he said. "There has to be lots
of time put into it."

But the concept behind the pilot project is a "sound one," he
said.

Kids who live in grow-ops are in a risky situation, said Tolchard.

"From what I've seen they're often sick," he said. "It's not a good
environment for kids."

Marijuana is the drug of choice for teenagers across B.C., said
Tolchard, resulting in many of them leaving the school system.

Something has to be done to get marijuana out of the community, said
Tolchard.