REALTORS® are leading an effort to achieve standardized reporting and remediation of properties that have been used as illegal drug operations (IDOs) in Fraser Valley communities.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) hosted a forum, October 16, attended by over 100 stakeholders involved in the issue of marijuana grow-ops and clandestine drug labs and their impact on housing and communities. The event was held at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley.

“Currently, it‘s very challenging for anyone – home buyers, REALTORS®, landlords, property managers – to effectively research a property’s history,” said FVREB President Kelvin Neufeld. “There are inconsistent methods of reporting whether a property was a grow-op and inconsistent standards of remediating them. We’d like to see that changed so that people are able to readily find that information on properties they’re considering purchasing.”

To generate discussion and encourage ideas, the FVREB commissioned a white paper outlining the issue and the hurdles faced by seekers of information. Experts in the areas of crime, health and safety, and administration were asked to share their knowledge during the forum. Speakers included: Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis; Chilliwack Mayor and Fraser Valley Regional District Chair Clint Hames; Dr. Ray Copes, Director of the Environmental Health Division, BC Centre for Disease Control; Surrey Councillor and Representative of the Union of BC Municipalities Barbara Steele; and Dr. Darryl Plecas, RCMP University Research Chair in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of the Fraser Valley.

In attendance were REALTORS®, fire and police representatives, mayors, councillors and municipal staff, insurance brokers, home inspectors and other interested parties.

At the forum’s conclusion, Neufeld invited the panel of experts and participants to form a task force to work towards finding a solution to better protect the public.

“REALTORS® feel that by achieving this goal, we’ll be able to make a positive difference in our communities and improve the quality of life of our clients – people who deserve a safe, protected home.”