MARIJUANA GROW-OP TASK FORCE IN RESPONSE TO OUTRAGE: MAYOR

A new marijuana grow-op task force will soon be developing a
"coordinated effort" for cracking down on one of the biggest illegal
business ventures in the Lower Mainland.

"Basically, the citizens have been outraged with what's going on in
the Lower Mainland," said Mayor Mary Reeves of the reason for setting
up the task force.

The task force brings community groups, the real estate board and B.C.
Hydro alongside the city and police.

It is expected they will hold a workshop in about a month to
"formulate visions and goals" for the group.

While Reeves, who is also chairwoman of the police board, commends the
police crackdown on grow-ops, she says there needs to be efforts by
other groups to put pressure on the court system as well as educate
the public about what to look for.

Last week, city council passed a strengthening of their controlled
substances bylaw, which eliminated the one "free" grow op before
homeowners are charged for cost associated with breaking down a grow
operation.