A fleeting trait among politicians is to have them do something visionary and possibly at the same time reflect some compassionand dedication to their community, so citizens must cherish such futuristic thinking and planning.
So the case by a former council who purchased the five-acre property for a $ 600,000 investment to secure an existing animal shelter, commonly referred to as a pound was visionary even by default.
A good real estate investment, good opportunity for expansion, locally owned, operated by local citizens and centrally locatedfacility to minimize inconvenience to citizens in need.
Surely, if we can invest thousands in a skateboard park benefiting a small group, we can preserve what we have and startbuilding on District owned land to benefit animals in need?
So, the burning question in the minds of most residents is why would anyone seriously consider relocating the current Districtowned dog animal control to the FVRD, at least a 45 minute ride away in Chilliwack?
FVRD does not have the amenities of outdoor runs for dog interactions which is good socializing benefits for dogs, plus trails forwalks.
Saneness must prevail and witness an end to such short-sighted notions like losing this benefit. Instead, it is time to be lookingat finally building a cat facility adjacent the current dog building and bring Mission into the vision of at least one good idea by acouncil.
Using funds from existing surplus accounts, plus commencing fundraising activities will realize a potential state-of-the-artshelter, to provide space for rescue, foster co-ordination and other services that have the advantage of permitting seniors,students and others to volunteer, work with the dogs, exercise by walking dogs on five acre of trails and possibly bring thecurrent cat control undertaken by Fraser Valley Humane Society out of their unheated basement location into a new modernfacility, is a win-win for all.
Thanks to the vision of one council to obtain this district-owned property, we cannot permit a new council with perceiveddraconian thoughts and poor judgment to undo what is clearly in the best interests of all citizens, not to lose all and passbenefits to Chilliwack by a council lacking vision.
George Evens
Mission
