POT BYLAWS STRENGTHENED

Abbotsford city leaders want to make it less profitable to grow marijuana
in this town.

Those caught with marijuana growing in their houses in Abbotsford will have
their water shut off within 24 hours and will have to vacate their
premises, as the city council agreed to add more muscle to the Controlled
Substance Bylaw.

Building alteration, tampering with water or electrical meters, moving air
vents inside, failing to clean air ducts, occupying the premises without
inspection and permitting the growth of mould or fungus are among the
bylaws that growers could be breaking.

Growers also face an increasing list of costs, fees and fines that could
put a dent into profits.

Marijuana-growing related offences were also added last week to the
Municipal Ticket Bylaw, allowing the city to fine property owners for a
long list of offences.

Toireasa Strong, director of administration and corporate planning, said
the changes came out of the city's anti-marijuana grow-op task force and
its review of the city's bylaws to find ways to make growing pot more
difficult in Abbotsford. The changes definitely give the city greater
enforcement powers, she said.

The proposed changes, which passed through three readings, were up for
adoption last night and were expected to be adopted by the city council.

Growers, once their place has been identified as a grow-op, must vacate the
premises and can expect their water service to be shut off within 24 hours.

And it will cost growers more to pay for inspection, dismantling and other
costs billed by the police, fire department, bylaw department and
electrical inspectors, said bylaw manager Gordon Ferguson. The combination
of fees and fines could cost pot growers thousands of dollars, capped at
$10,000.

"The purpose is to make owners more responsible for their properties," said
Ferguson.

Unpaid bills are added to the property owner's tax bill. In some cases the
city may decide to take the bill to court.

A full list of prohibited activities and fines related to marijuana
grow-ops can be found on the city's web site at www.city.abbotsford.bc.ca.

Abbotsford marijuana grow-op task force is also looking for more input from
residents at a public forum Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. at city hall.