POT CLAUSE PROPOSED IN REAL ESTATE FORMS

A proposal by the Canadian Canadian Real Estate Association being
considered by the local real estate board would require realtors to tell
would-be buyers if a house has ever been used for an indoor marijuana grow
op or other type of criminal activity.

The proposed disclosure clause, to be included in all sales agreements, was
circulated to real estate associations across the country this week,
including the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, which represents realtors in
Surrey and North Delta. Surrey Mounties estimate as many as 4,500 homes are
being used for grow ops in this city.

Fraser Valley board president Reg Davies was not available for comment as
of The Leader's press deadline Friday.

Bob Linney, manager of communications for the Canadian association, said
it's up to the individual associations to decide whether to adopt the clause.

The proposal was given a cautious endorsement by RCMP Staff Sgt. Chuck
Doucette, coordinator of the force's B.C. drug awareness program.

"Anything that helps people become more aware is a good thing," Doucette
said, stressing that he has not had an opportunity to review the proposal
in detail.

Surrey Coun. Diane Watts, head of the city's police, fire and public safety
committee, supported the proposal, saying homebuyesr have a right to know
whether their purchase has been used for criminal activities.

"I think it's going to help the home purchaser (in Surrey) generally."

Watts said buyers ought to be aware of the potential health hazards posed
by former grow ops, including "mould inside the walls and the pesticides
that are used =AD damage can be quite extensive without being visible."

It's information that police are currently not allowed to disclose because
of privacy laws, Watts noted.

"There are certain things that need to be advised to the general public."