Langley seeks national standards for fixing grow-op and drug lab homes

The City of Langley says it's time for national standards when it comes to ensuringthathouses used as grow operationsor drug labs are safe for human habitation.

CouncillorRudy Storteboom put forward the motion, passed last week, to call for federal standards for remediation through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

"This is something that has been a concern for a considerable length of time it's just been really slow in coming," Storteboomsaid.

"In Metro Vancouver, there are thousands of properties that are former marijuana grow-ops and clandestine drug labs that aren't being remediated to health and safety standards."

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A real estate agent by trade, Storteboom saidheadvisesclients against buying housesthat havebeen used for these purposes.

He saidthese homescould have problems with mold and mildew; unsafe, jury-rigged wiring,and even supporting walls knocked out for ventilation.

Buyers at risk

Storteboomsaid he thinks people are at risk of unknowingly buying or renting these homes.

That's becausesome Lower Mainland homes arepurchased sight unseen and home inspections aren't mandatory in the province. As well, there is alack of any duty to discloseillegal activities in a home by a previous resident.

However, it appears his Storteboom's demandmay have an uphill battle with the federal government.

When asked for comment, a Health Canada spokeswoman saidthere are guidelines for licensed medical marijuana users growing indoors at home.

"Any questions regarding illegal activity such as grow-ops should be directed to local law or municipal enforcement authorities," a statement said.

That doesn't sit well with Storteboom, who saidHealth Canada should take some responsibility.

"This is Health Canada: it's an unhealthy practise to have an agricultural practise in a residential building," he said. "I think it's terribly irresponsible it's a national problem, not just municipal."

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will hold its next annual general meeting in Ottawa in June.