Duane Hicks
Council received a report Monday night recommending the town not pursue one-time licensing and microchipping of dogs.
The report, from the Planning and Development executive committee, was a follow-up to a direction from council last August to investigate the possibility of residents being able to pay for a one-time licence for their dogs, which would include microchip technology to keep tabs on the pooches.
But Planning and Development Superintendent Rick Hallam said in the report that “after much research by staff and a local veterinarian, it appears that at this time, there are far too many variables, such as cost, veterinarian involvement, public process, and the ability to enforce, and it is recommendation of the [committee] that this initiative be abandoned at this time.”
The same report also directed that Bylaw 12/79 be amended to include a new definition of “kennel,” which is as follows:
“Kennel shall mean a premise, other than a pet store, veterinary hospital or clinic, animal shelter, or property operating a legitimate fostering program for dogs; in which the predominant activity consists of the raising, breeding, boarding, or training of dogs, and boarding kennel shall have a corresponding meaning.”
This bylaw amendment was passed by council at Monday night’s meeting.
The report also directed that the business licence fee bylaw be amended to include an annual business licence fee for operating a kennel.
This fee will be $50/year.
Also at Monday night’s regular meeting, council:
•approved the 2009 tax ratios and set a date for its next budget meeting (Tuesday, May 19 at 4 p.m.);
•authorized the mayor to sign a letter of support for the Youth Action Alliance so it can get funding to develop a “youth master plan” for the community;
•received test results for the semi-annual testing for lead in the water distribution system (testing was held between March 17-26 and no samples tested as adverse during that period);
•received a draft of a boundary road agreement with the Township of Alberton for maintaining Oakwood Road (the town’s clerk and lawyer will review the draft agreement in order to ensure the town is protected from a legal point of view);
•approved entering into a letter of authorization with Outlast Laser Sports for a three-year term to utilize town-owned parks to provide outdoor laser tag activities;
•authorized the contribution of $650 to the Rainy River Vet Assistance Trust Fund;
•donated the use of Pither’s Point Park property to the Canadian Cancer Society to host the 2009 “Relay for Life” event on June 26-27 (this includes one free night camping on June 26 to all the participants).
