The BC "Government" announced on March 3, 2005 that they will seek to increase the fire hazard to people who grow "illegal" [untaxable] herbs on their own property, despite warnings from Fire Department Chiefs.

In a speech made THE SAME DAY of the deaths of four RCMP officers at an alleged "commercial grow-op" that police first stated was  "linked to organized crime" - but was later described as a "vehicle chop shop" after it was revealed the warrant issued was for only 20 marijuana plants, BC's Solicitor General Rich Coleman said they would "find all kinds of ways" to shut them down.

One of those ways includes now getting BC Hydro to report "unusually high" power consumption, which he seemingly understands will increase the need for growers to steal power to hide their activities, and thus increase the very hazard he uses as his excuse for heavy-handed police enforcement.

It is these make shift wiring rigs that experts claim is the sole reason for the alleged increased fire risk associated with grow-ops; though given the number of grow ops claimed by police, this risk is still seen by many as remote. 

The idea that these grow ops are a "huge risk" when run through a standard power box is ridiculous, stated one Fire Chief who didn't want his name revealed.

There is no significant fire hazard whatsoever as long as the current is less than a working circuit breaker, and that is true of any electric al device run through a standard house circuit. The Solicitor General is clearly fear mongering for political purposes, he said.

The Solicitor General of BC needs to answer the following question:

Would  he be willing to ignore those growers who use safe outdoor greenhouses to grow their marijuana, thus saving the lives of [according to him] numerous children exposed to the "dangers of grow ops"?

How did the BC Government manage to release a major news release on a significant policy update, a.k.a. "the project" THE SAME DAY four RCMP officers were mysteriously shot by "a lone gunman"?

Are we supposed to believe this was mere coincidence?

For Immediate Release

2005PSSG0010-000244

March 3, 2005

NEWS RELEASE 

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services

[.......]

“Grow ops are increasing in size and sophistication right across B.C.,” said Coleman. “We need to tackle this problem from every angle to ensure that police and other authorities have the tools they need to protect the public. This will send a message to criminals that grow ops will not be tolerated and we’ll find all kinds of ways to shut them down.”

 

The project will discourage grow ops in residential neighbourhoods and improve local safety by strictly enforcing the Safety Standards Act. A team of firefighters, police and electrical inspectors will investigate suspicious homes with unusually high electrical power consumption.  If the residence is found to be a hazard, or an inspection is not permitted in a reasonable time, power will be shut down. A permit and an inspection by the Surrey electrical inspector would then be required before power is restored. 

 

“Grow ops are a huge risk to the men and women who respond to fires in our communities and to the children who live there,” said Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services Murray Coell. “I want to thank the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. for coming forward with the proposal for this project and the City of Surrey for developing the operational guidelines. If successful, the project may be expanded provincewide.”

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/nrm_news_releases/2005PSSG0010-000244.htm

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