TOWNSHIP COUNCIL: POT GROWERS BLASTED

Something has to be done about the burgeoning number of marijuana grow
operations in Langley, residents told Council this week.

Scott Blakeney is "sick and tired" of the grow operations setting up shop
in his Langley neighbourhood.

"We moved to this neighbourhood to live and raise our families in a safe
environment and we are sick and tired of the danger we are exposed to
living amongst organized crime," Blakeney said.

Blakeney told Township Council last Monday his Hillcrest neighbourhood
experienced twelve grow operation busts in the last fifteen months, a ratio
that indicates that about one in every ten homes is housing a grow op [Five
pot busts at posh homes, March 7, Langley Advance News].

During its meeting Council heard from Blakeney, and resident Glen Tomblin,
both of whom are concerned about the number of grow operations in Langley
Township, particularly in the Hillcrest area. More than 25 residents from
Hillcrest, located behind Langley Memorial Hospital, filled the audience.

"One of the most disturbing things is that some that have already been
busted are doing it again," Blakeney said. He added people often are moving
back into the busted houses before they are even suitable for occupancy.

Many times those houses have had the water and electricity turned off and
occupants resort to using candles and kerosene stoves, which can lead to fires.

Tomblin said the Township needs to make Langley an unfriendly place for
grow ops. He suggested it does that by getting more people involved in
cracking down on the illegal activity. Tomblin said the police are doing an
excellent job when it comes to drug busts, but the community and real
estate agents should also become involved.

He recommended the Township set up a commission to examine the grow op problem.

Tomblin added that houses that have been identified in illegal activities
should be flagged and reinvestigated every three months by building
inspectors to ensure they aren't a fire hazard.

Council is making some moves to combat the grow op problem in the Township.

A new bylaw is being considered to ensure houses that have been used for
illegal activities don't pose a threat to public safety.

Under the new regulations, which were given preliminary approval on Monday,
houses that have been damaged as a result of illegal activity will have to
be inspected and repaired up to building code requirements before they can
be re-occupied.

When the RCMP finds houses that have been damaged as a result of marijuana
grow operations, drug lab or any similar activity they will contact
Township staff and a building inspector will investigate the property,
bringing in any other authorities that have jurisdiction such as an
electrical inspector, gas inspector, BC Hydro or the GVRD.

Owners will be expected to obtain all the necessary permits, repair the
damage and have the work inspected and approved, as well as receive written
authorization that the homes can be re-occupied.