Editor:
Residents of West Sechelt are concerned that their health and safety are being jeopardized by suspected illegal grow-ops in their neighbourhoods. Residents have observed multiple suspect activities at certain West Sechelt residences consistent with an illegal grow-op: noxious odours emanating throughout the day, no response to neighbours’ knocking on doors, installation of industrial type ventilation, oversized plywood fencing, boarding up of windows, and multiple licence plates recorded coming and going from the residences of concern. Residents in neighbouring homes are forced inside, unable to open their windows or use their decks and backyards due to the stench.
Although neighbours have repeatedly complained about the situation to the Sechelt RCMP and the District of Sechelt bylaw officer, the problem persists. The Cannabis Act limits four cannabis plants per person without a licence and prohibits cultivation or processing in a residential neighbourhood. The amount of air pollution and traffic issues at the residences of concern suggest that more than the allowed four cannabis plants are grown and are being processed and sold in an illegal commercial cannabis operation. The suspected illegal grow-ops are located adjacent to parks, schools, daycare centres and in family neighbourhoods zoned R-3 where they impinge on outdoor enjoyment. Residents are also exposed to significant additional risks from criminal behaviour and weapons typically present at illegal grow-ops.
Is this the kind of neighbourhood we want to live in? Why is it so difficult to obtain effective action on this problem from authorities?
