MISSION'S POT BYLAW ON HOLD

The District of Mission's controversial public safety inspection team
(PSIT) scheme was put on hold at a council meeting this week.

PSIT grew out of the district's Controlled Substance Property bylaw,
which has been criticized as undemocratic by many residents and
attacked by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

In a press release on Tuesday, the district announced council voted to
uphold the current postponement until May, when the enabling bylaws to
allow PSIT should be enacted.

Under the suspended bylaw, homeowners who had their homes searched for
marijuana grow ops were charged fess and given repair orders costing
up to $10,000 by the district -- even when no illegal drugs were found.

The district could wind up defending a costly class action launched by
angry homeowners who have been fined despite their innocence.

The district also announced on Tuesday it has hired a public relations
firm to help staff deal with a public education and information program.