GROW-OP INSPECTION FEE JUMPS 70%

It's going to get more expensive for people found with a grow op, or
other electrical hazard in their home.

Surrey launched the Electrical Fire Safety Initiative (EFSI) three
years ago, a program that shuts down residential marijuana grow
operations by tracking their high power consumption records.

It has been fully "self-funded" through a $2,100 fee charged to the
homeowner after inspection.

The initiative is becoming more expensive for the city, so it's
passing on the extra costs.

"Due to the fact that grow operators continue to adapt to the
pressures and scrutiny of Surrey's EFSI inspections by becoming more
innovative in how they acquire electrical power, it's taking longer
to prepare for, and investigate, a file...," Fire Chief Len Garis
wrote in a report to council Monday.

Because of that, Garis asked that the fee be raised from $2,100 to
$3,520 - a 68 per cent hike.

He noted that other municipalities charge much more, including
Richmond ($3,800), Mission ($5,200) and Coquitlam ($6,800).

Statistics since the launch of the EFSI program:

. 1,226 sites have been inspected.

. 828 had electricity shut down for safety concerns.

. 153 homeowners given a seven-day notice to repair.

. 118 residences that were determined to have electrical safety
hazards contained a total of 227 children.

Surrey council unanimously endorsed the proposed fee hike at its
regular meeting Monday.