PITT STICKS WITH GROW-OP INSPECTIONS

Grow ops beware. The City of Pitt Meadows has decided to continue its
Public Safety Inspection Program, which ferrets out hidden marijuana
grow operations in neighbourhood homes.

City council voted this week to extend the program for another six
months. It initially began in February as a pilot project and
continued until May.

Lesley Elchuk, the city's bylaw enforcement officer, said the program
has been very successful so far.

As far as public safety goes it's very valuable," she said.

Elchuk said the first step in the program is reviewing BC Hydro
consumption rates in homes. If the use seems excessive she then
checks to see if there's a home based business that might explain the
extra power usage. If the power usage still seems excessive Elchuk
goes to the home and gives the owner 24 hours notice that an
inspection will be done. During the inspection, an assistant fire
chief, building inspector, electrical inspector, two RCMP officers
and Elchuk show up at the suspicious house. The RCMP officers ensure
the house is safe for the inspection team to enter and then they wait
outside for the team to complete its inspection, said Elchuk.

The inspection team checks to see if the electrical system is in
compliance with the B.C. Electrical Code and city bylaws and if there
are any fire hazards present.

The program investigated 38 properties. Eight of the properties
inspected showed signs of a grow op existing. Inspectors found
evidence of children living in two of those dwellings and the team
reported their findings to the Ministry of Children and Family
Development. In two cases the inspection team disconnected the hydro
because the owner of the home didn't respond to inspection requests.

In houses where there was evidence of a grow op owners were required
to pay $3,000 to cover inspection team costs.

Elchuk said a similar program is in place in about 15 other
municipalities, but Maple Ridge doesn't have a program yet.

Elchuk said the program helps ensure public safety because grow ops
often alter electrical systems in a house, which can pose a fire hazard.