WHEREAS it is not possible for any prospective property purchaser or tenant to be certain if a building they are considering for purchase or lease has been remediated through a process that would ensure health and safety risks have been eradicated; AND WHEREAS the inappropriate use of buildings for agriculture activity e.g. grow-ops and the production of synthetic drugs can result in the significant damage to the properties and if inadequately remediated, this type of damage can have serious health and safety implications for occupants: THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the remediation processes for inappropriately used buildings shall be a centralized, consistent process for remediation and the Government of British Columbia shall play the controlling role, using existing BC provincial legislation as the foundation for this approach.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing Local governments have the authority to issue and revoke occupancy permits, to set standards of maintenance and to inspect remediation work. The National Collaborating Center for Environmental Health has published Guidelines for Safe Re-Occupation of Grow Operations and Clandestine Amphetamine-Derived Drug Laboratory Cleanup Guidelines. This guide can help local governments regulate the health and safety of buildings in their communities. They may choose to issue building permits for the required repairs and inspect the completed work. Where possible, the Minister Responsible for Housing would certainly support local governments in their efforts and other parties to develop recommended guidelines and best practices.