CITY BILLS OWNER OF GROW SHOW HOUSE

The City of Courtenay has billed the owner of a house used for a grow-op
$1,200, giving a new city bylaw its first test.

On May 14, just weeks after the city implemented its new controlled
substance bylaw, Comox Valley RCMP busted a grow-op at the house on
Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay, arresting one person and seizing 300 plants
and growing equipment.

And now the city can collect costs associated with it, said Dave Slobodan,
director of development services.

"We will be collecting for the hours the RCMP spent on the job," Slobodan
said. "If the owner fails to pay, we will be adding the amount to the
property bill."

As neither the city or the fire department were called to the Fitzgerald
Avenue house, costs associated with these services won't be collected.

Slobodan said if the RCMP notices damages to a residence they can, at their
discretion, call the City for inspections. Costs from the City can include
$400 for the first inspection, $300 for an inspection prior to occupancy,
and an occupancy permit at $250.

"The owners need to know what's going on in their property (if it's a
rental)," Slobodan said. "It can cost a lot if they don't."

Take-downs of grow-ops are becoming much more visible in the Valley as RCMP
now place a sandwich board in front of a residence during dismantling to
tell neighbours what is going on.