Despite being dubbed a ‘spa for reptiles,’ Reptilia gets no clarity about exotic animal exemption
Like an anaconda, the committee’s debate was long and full of twists and turns.
In the end however, city councillors on the Community and Protective Services Committee gave no clear indication if Reptilia will receive an exemption to London’s Animal Control Bylaw that prohibits the display of exotic animals.
More than 20 delegates registered to speak to the committee.
“A bylaw is a by-law is a bylaw. No, no,no!” asserted Londoner Carla Kuipers.
Marie Blosh argued that Reptilia’s decision to build its zoo before having an exemption should not influence the committee’s decision.
“They just came along, set up shop and now here they are saying ‘well, we’re here. Too bad, just go ahead and give us our exemption,’ ” said Blosh.
Reptilia urged committee members to consider the potential community benefits.
“It’s a good tourist attraction, it’s a strong education business, we’ve cooperated with every city we’ve been in,” said the President of Reptilia Brian Child.
The business is completing construction of a 30,000 sq.ft. reptile zoo inside Westmount Mall and is seeking an exemption to the municipal Animal Control Bylaw that prohibits exotic animals.
Reptilia previously appeared at city hall in 2018 and April 2022..
Coun. David Ferreira put forward a motion to “take no action” on the request for an exemption, “Council has already made their decision, we’ve had delegations come through and speak to this, so I would like to follow with that precedent,” he said.
What followed was a meandering debate.
“I wasn’t elected by the animals, I was elected by the people of London who want tourism to expand in London. Who want our businesses to thrive,” argued Coun. Susan Stevenson.
Coun. Sam Trosow warned the committee that an exemption for Reptilia would encourage other zoos to come to London and seek their own exemptions.
“We want an exemption for monkeys or whatever comes next. You are going to be setting a dangerous precedent,” Trosow added.
“Somehow in London there is a dark cloud of negativity that ‘oh my sky will fall!’ ” said Coun. Paul Van Meerbergen. “I’ve been through this facility and it is a veritable spa, a veritable spa for reptiles. That’s how well they’re treated.”
After receiving confidential legal advice behind closed doors, the motion to “take no action” was defeated by a vote of two to three with Councillors Stevenson, Rahman and Pribil opposed.
Seeming uneasy to recommend an outright exemption for Reptilia, the committee voted four to one (Stevenson opposed) to recommend asking city staff for an informational report including a review of other municipalities and potential bylaw amendments.
Staff said a report can be prepared for the committee’s meeting in January.
“We’ve come to a middle ground compromise of not rushing the bylaws to come back and asking for a staff report, also accompanied by what the bylaws would look like,” explained Coun. Elizabeth Peloza who chairs the committee.
Peloza anticipates another long and divisive debate on Dec. 13 when council will consider Reptilia’s exemption request or the committee’s recommendation for a staff report.
Reptilia expects construction of its facility in Westmount Mall to be completed near the end of December.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.