The executive director of the Sarnia and District Humane Society says the recent community support to purchase a parcel of land at Centennial Park for a proposed expansion has been "overwhelming."
In a unanimous decision, city council declared 2.14 acres of land as surplus during Monday's meeting.
Mayor Mike Bradley's motion to give the humane society first right of refusal passed in an 8-1 vote, with an amendment from City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts for the city to have first right of refusal should the humane society purchase the land and later decide to sell.
Councillor Terry Burrell voted against the motion.
"If they want to buy it, they should buy it. And if they don't want to buy it, they should not buy it. But the first right of refusal situation really just spoils the value of the property," Burrell said. "It's not a good idea, in my opinion."
City/County Councillor Bill Dennis' amendment to immediately transfer the land to the humane society at cost did not receive support.
City staff said a public notice regarding the parkland will be posted for 21 days, and they will seek council direction during the July meeting to solicit expressions of interest for about six to eight weeks.
Sarnia and District Humane Society Board Chair Bob Farlow said Monday's decision is "a big positive" for them as design plans for the proposed expansion are already done.
The humane society has been looking to expand for about six years, but previous plans fell through.
Executive Director Donna Pyette said once purchasing details are finalized, the plan is to move forward with a capital campaign.
"The design is already done, from being done years ago, not much has changed. It's just a better environment for the animals in our care with indoor/outdoor [spaces], a maternity ward for mums and pups and kittens and cats," Pyette said. "Of course, the affordable veterinary clinic will be a big one to continue to help our community."
Design plans will soon be posted on a dedicated web page and shared over social media," Pyette said.
Over the past week, there has been an outpouring of support over social media for the humane society's plans.
"We've always had really good support from the community but to see it in those numbers was jaw-dropping for a lot of us, very emotional for staff at the shelter," Pyette said. "They feel the stress every day of working in an environment that's just not quite big enough and we have to always be making compromises."
To make more space for the animals, Pyette said the last three offices were recently moved out into a trailer.
"Just knowing that people are out there and supporting them (staff), gives them a lot of hope that we need," Pyette said. "Your hope gets diminished when you have to keep going through these things over the last six years."
The humane society currently has a lease agreement with the city for $1 per year for its Exmouth Street building.
