ENDERBY NEIGHBOURS UPSET

Residents of one Enderby neighbourhood are concerned about drug
activity.

Council heard Monday from residents of Regent and Russell avenues, who
allege there are houses in the area being used in the drug trade.

"We've passed the information on to the RCMP and we'll keep them up to
date," said Mayor Dee Wejr.

While the city has a property remediation bylaw, it only comes into
place when it's been proven there are drugs being manufactured in a
residence. Occupancy is then restricted until the structure meets
building codes.

"The bylaw doesn't give us any power to search a residence," said Wejr
of the city.

"It's more of a bylaw to do something after something has been
found."

Vernon repealed its old controlled substance and remedial action bylaw
in 2009 and replaced it with a safe premises bylaw. The changes
occurred because of a concern that a property owner could challenge
the right to be denied access to his own home.

Enderby's bylaw was modelled on Vernon's original regulation, and
hasn't been used to date.

"I am confident our bylaw is solid," said Coun. Howie Cyr of possible
legal issues.

Cyr, a former RCMP officer, welcomes the presentation by the residents
Monday.

"They see the comings and goings and they are the best source of
intelligence to point these places out," he said.

"I hope the police will act accordingly. It's sad to hear about
alleged drug houses in neighbourhoods but it's good people are getting
involved instead of sitting in silence."