The City of Courtenay is filing notice against the titles of two homes recently found to be the site of large marijuana growing operations.

Both homes - one at 2129 Fitzgerald Ave. and the other at 4642 McLaughlin Drive - were deemed by the city's building division to be unsafe and unusable for occupancy because of health and life safety issues.

Not only will the owners of these homes have to spend considerable money to repair the damage caused by the grow shows, but they face large bills for policing and other costs.

Until all those issues are resolved, and the bills paid, the notices will remain on the properties' titles.

The owner of the McLaughlin Drive home faces a $3,360 bill from the city including charges for:

- RCMP officers at $100 per hour plus $110 rental for a storage facility for seized equipment; total $2,110

- Special inspection by the City, $400; inspection prior to issue of occupancy permit, $600; occupancy permit $250; total $1,250.

The owner of the Fitzgerald Avenue home is getting a $3,850 bill including charges for:

- RCMP officers at $100 per hour; storage facility; van rental; total $2600.

- City inspection and permit fees, total $1250.

As well, both property owners will have to hire an Environmental Scientist/Microbiologist to carry out an inspection to see what work will be required to clean the homes before anyone can move back in.

If the homeowners don't pay all the bills before December 31, 2006, the amounts will be added to the property taxes. But at no time will anyone be allowed to live in the homes until these fees are paid.

City councillors Monday night said they thought the bills were small.

Coun. Larry Jangula said the police incur more costs than just the time spent raiding a grow show.

Mayor Starr Winchester said she thought the costs charged should be double.

City administrator Sandy Grey said the fees are being reviewed right now, and council will probably see a report in another month.

GROW SHOW SIGNS:

There are a number of signs that a house is being used for a marijuana grow show:

- Bright lights - Needed for indoor grow operations, the lights are not always easily disguised.

- Covered Windows - Used to block outdoor light, which interrupts the growing cycle, and to keep passersby from seeing inside the house.

- Condensation on Windows - This indicates the presence of high humidity, a result of the heat generated by the lights and water used in the grow show.

- Smell - The odor from the pot is often diverted through the chimney or sewer system.

- Loud Noises - From fans and electrical equipment.

- Equipment - Large fans, halogen lights, soil and plastic plant containers carried in at odd hours.

- Outside Indicators - High fences, hedges and Beware of Dog signs used to discourage observance of the property.

- Garbage Bags - The soil and plant manner are frequently dumped in nearby lanes and dumpsters