GROW-OP LAW BLITZED

Mission's controversial grow-op bylaw is under attack on two fronts.

A councillor is seeking to rescind the bylaw, and 74 residents have
reportedly joined to file a class-action lawsuit against the district.

As The Province reported recently, a number of Mission residents have
complained that their homes were searched for pot grow-ops and they
were slapped with fees and repair orders costing upward of $10,000 --
all on questionable evidence.

On Tuesday, Coun. Jenny Stevens asked that a motion to rescind the
bylaw be considered by Mission council on Jan. 24.

"I've become increasingly concerned about the bylaw to the point I'm
saying . . . are the negative consequences outweighing the benefits?"
said Stevens.

"If [dissent] is getting this vociferous, you need to look at the
beginning of the problem, which is this bylaw."

And on Tuesday evening more than 100 bylaw critics attended an
emotional meeting in Mission's library to air concerns, says Mission
man Stacy Gowanlock.

Gowanlock -- who says his house was searched in 2009 and hit with
thousands in fees and repair orders despite never growing pot in his
home -- said 74 citizens at the meeting signed onto the class-action
lawsuit he is leading.

In mid-December, the B. C Civil Liberties Association's Micheal Vonn
led a delegation to Mission council, warning grounds for a
class-action suit are strong, and searches are "putting innocent
people under horrible duress."

On Wednesday, Vonn said the BCCLA intends to join the class-action
suit, a statement of claim is being drafted and it is expected to be
filed soon.

"Our opinion is, fining people for imaginary grow-ops does nothing to
increase safety in Mission," she said.