MISSION ANTI-GROW OP BYLAW - ALMOST THERE

A bylaw to crack down on illegal drug grow operations in Mission is one
step closer.

Mission council members unanimously approved the first, second and third
readings of the bylaw at their regular council meeting Monday, which means
the next step is adoption [of the bylaw].

"I think it's very positive we're moving forward on this," said Mission
mayor Abe Neufeld. "The RCMP have their own powers, but we're certainly
going to be able to address irresponsible landlords and homeowners where
they are utilizing their houses to grow a cash crop."

The bylaw, if adopted, will "prohibit use of property for clandestine
purposes and provide for the remediation of such property."

Remediation measures means the District of Mission will take all steps
necessary to remove risks of explosion, fire, contamination of potable
water and risks to public health and safety that may arise from such an
operation. That would include the removal and disposal of any controlled
substance and associated chemicals, material and apparatus used in the
production of the illegal drug.

"We think [grow operations] are dangerous and that there are far too many
of them," said Neufeld.

The bylaw will allow the district to carry out remediation measures at the
land owners' expense, should they fail to comply.

Bylaw offenders can be fined $1,000 to $10,000 for committing an offence,
should it be adopted, and if a property owner fails to pay for any
remediation measures necessary, those costs will be added to the taxes
payable on the property.

"We are going to do everything we can with energy to let [operators of grow
ops] know the District of Mission will not tolerate their presence,"
Neufeld said. "If we discover them we will take drastic action."