POT BYLAW DEFERRED, BUT NOT FOR LONG

Allowing more time for public input was the thrust behind Maple Ridge
council's decision to defer a new bylaw aimed at holding property
owners financially responsible for the cost of busting marijuana grow
ops.

While all on council appeared to be favour of the bylaw, with Coun.
Ernie Daykin calling it another "tool in the box" to combat the war on
drugs, they also wanted to give the public more time to comment to see
if perhaps the bylaw needs some "tweaking."

"Input is important in this community and we're hear to listen," said
Coun. Faye Isaac.

A vote is expected before the end of the year.

The bylaw, if passed, would bill all costs associated with dismantling
a grow op on to the property owner. That means paying big bucks for
all the time police put into the investigation, all the time the fire
department bills if they are needed, along with all the hours the
bylaw department and other agencies contribute to the case.

People would also have to pay for the property to be made livable
again after the drugs are seized and growing equipment hauled away -
which includes having the home professionally inspected by a
occupational health worker.

"Those costs...would be calculated and passed on to the property
owner. Hopefully the introduction of this bylaw will deter (drug)
activity," Brock McDonald, director of business licensing and bylaws
for the district.

Landlords, on the other hand, that come forward to police with
concerns that their property is being used to grow pot would not be
responsible for the bill. The RCMP says there are a number of
resources available to landlords and property owners to educate
themselves on how to better screen potential tenants and also how to
recognize if there property is home to a grow op. Those resources can
be found by calling or paying a visit to the local detachment or
community policing office.

Mayor Kathy Morse said that since the bylaw received its first three
readings a number of people have contacted her.

One taxpayer was concerned the money generated from the bylaw serves
as a cash cow for the district and go into general revenue.

The district says, though, that's not the case and the money collected
will go back to the police or other agencies that billed for busting
the grow op.

"It is not intended to be a money maker," Morse said.