The Sarnia and District Humane Society wants to build a new animal shelter at Centennial Park.
The organization is looking to acquire three acres just east of its current location at 131 Exmouth Street to ensure adequate parking and outdoor space.
Former Board Chair Miro Soucek said they've been told the current location, which opened in 1983 and had an addition built in 2004, has many underlying issues.
"The kennels are too small and we also wanted to upgrade our facilities for HVAC systems and environmental purposes," said Soucek. "Realistically, the crack in the floor is the new addition that was made several years ago, and it seems like the land had fallen. That crack is a health and safety risk, but it also demonstrates the fact that the structure is not sound and rebuilding that structure in itself is probably not the best idea."
Engineer Geoff Dale said the cost of renovation, compared to a new build, would be very similar.
"The other issue is, as we're doing renovations, the difficulty becomes in housing the animals that are there, as I'm sure you can understand," said Dale. "There's obvious logistical concerns with running a construction site in the middle of an operating humane society and shelter."
Mayor Mike Bradley recalled how council's decision in 1980 to provide land out of the park system for the existing shelter, was not popular.
"Believe it or not, it was before my time, but when the humane society went into that [space], it was extremely controversial about giving up public parkland and that may be a concern moving forward," said Bradley.
Councillor Dave Boushy recalled not supporting the original build in the 80s, but said he "came around and accepted it."
In its letter to council, the humane society said it's committed to any soil testing, abatement or asbestos-related costs, and will plant two trees for any one removed.
Fundraising would also be launched and construction could start as early as 2022.
City council has instructed staff to start the public process, which includes consultation.
