Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
August 22, 2022 - 7:00 PM
Plans to build a small bird and mammal rehabilitation centre within Kelowna are going ahead, despite city staff advising council otherwise.
The property is located at 2605 O’Reilly Road and plans are to house an office trailer, an outdoor animal enclosure and two outdoor aviaries on the 1.3 hectare property for small mammals and non-predatory birds, according to a report that was presented to Kelowna city council this afternoon, Aug. 22.
However staff took issue with the size of the lot, saying they need at least two hectares for animal clinics to prevent nuisances to neighbouring properties as current zoning amendments require two hectares.
“The size, coupled with the narrow shape of the subject property would not mitigate the risks to neighbouring properties associated with the operation of a major animal clinic,” according to the report. “Upon the completion of public notification, multiple neighbours have reached out to staff with concerns about the proposed clinic on the property.”
During the presentation today, staff said two neighbours voiced concerns.
Councillor Ryan Donn said his concerns about nuisances to neighbours were alleviated once he learned they would only have small animals like songbirds on the property.
City staff also took issue with the proposed location of the facility, as it is in a “high environmentally sensitive area.”
READ MORE: Wildlife rehab centre for small animals proposed in Kelowna
“The process of grading, clearance and driveway construction would have an adverse impact on the ecology of the site,” staff said.
However, founder of Wild Things Rehabilitation Society, Sydney Platz, said the site would be located in the centre of the property which would not impact a slope to the south and centre as its a flattened area. A road has already been constructed on the property which will be used to access the site so there wouldn’t be any ecological impact.
“I think this is a long overdue investment in our community,” councillor Charlie Hodge said.
Moving a large trailer to the site wouldn't impact the surrounding ecology as it’s a collapsible trailer, Platz said.
The clinic will not be open to the public with only a few people on-site at any given time.
In the end, council decided to approve of the zoning amendment.
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