MINTO – Town council has decided to review the municipality’s bylaw regarding kennel licensing.
However, the municipality stopped short of imposing a moratorium on new or expanded kennels in the meantime.
Councillor Mark MacKenzie introduced a motion at the Feb. 5 meeting calling for a moratorium on all future requests for dog kennel licensing or expansions to existing operations until council has reviewed the town’s bylaw.
“This will allow the Town of Minto to make amendments that consider Canadian and provincial associations’ codes of practice that will strengthen our bylaw,” the motion states.
Councillor Judy Dirksen said, “I don’t have any problem with looking at a bylaw. That’s good practice for sure, but I’m curious about the moratorium part of the (motion).” She called the idea of a moratorium “heavy handed.”
MacKenzie said he was concerned about issues surrounding any kennel applications filed before the review process is complete.
Acting CAO Chris Harrow said staff has done some groundwork since MacKenzie initially filed a notice of motion on the issue. He said they could have a report ready for the next meeting.
“We’ve been doing some work on that and some background,” said Harrow, who noted there are currently no pending applications.
“The moratorium would only be from now to the next meeting,” noted Mayor George Bridge.
He also noted council approval is required in order for any kennel application to proceed, allowing it to impose a moratorium in all but name.
“I agree moratorium is a strong word,” said deputy mayor Dave Turton, adding imposing a ban could spark some residents “to get involved.”
“But on the other hand, I agree with what’s been said,” Turton stated. “We don’t go ahead with any kennel applications unless we approve it here so I’m happy going along the way we’re going until we do the report.”
Dirksen proposed an amendment, which passed, to remove reference to a moratorium from the motion.
A motion to have staff generate a report and conduct a review of the town’s bylaw was then approved.
