GROW-OP FEE TO GO UP 70 PER CENT

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 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 endorsed the proposed fee hike at its regular meeting Monday.