TRURO, N.S.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is asking Colchester County Council to delay the second reading of a proposed temporary by-law impacting the development of kennels.
A news release from the chamber said it has engaged with its members and municipal officials on the issue ,which has resulted in the submission of several recommendations on the proposed Municipality of the County of Colchester Kennel Development By-law.
Council is scheduled to hold second reading at its Thursday night meeting.
“At this time, we are asking that county council delay the second reading of the proposed by-law in order to allow time for consultation to occur with local businesses that will be affected, as well as to establish a timeline to be included while the land use by-laws are reviewed,” said chamber president Joanne McRae.
Of particular concern to chamber members is the lack of timeline associated with the implementation of the proposed by-law, which council has indicated would be temporary.
Based on feedback from its membership, the chamber believes if a by-law of this nature were to remain in effect for an indefinite period of time, there is potential for wide-spread negative impacts to local business of all kinds, from real estate to existing kennels, veterinarians, breeders, groomers, pet supply businesses, trainers, boarding facilities, dog daycares, kennel clubs, professional dog handlers and many others.
“It is unreasonable to expect business to wait an undetermined timeframe for the county to lift a moratorium directly impacting their livelihoods,” McRae said.
Colchester County has attracted high-caliber canine events drawing thousands of people to this area and has been home to dogs trained as international champions. The pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business and needs the support of council to continue to provide economic benefits to this region, the release said.
Since 2013 the pet industry has grown 3.8 per cent and was worth more than $7 billion in Canada, with 52 per cent of households having a pet. Colchester County boasts a wide variety of pet-related businesses and is well positioned for economic growth.
The chamber provided several recommendations to council including a need to clearly outline how proposed new legislation would be enforced and the estimated cost to tax payers.
