City council slams the cage door on Reptilia
CTV
Exotic animals won’t be coming to a zoo in London any time soon.
Exotic animals won’t be coming to a zoo in London any time soon.
City council voted down a committee recommendation that would have paved the way for entertainment company Reptilia to build a reptile zoo at Westmount Commons (formerly Westmount Mall).
“We didn’t want it, we’re so glad it’s not coming,” said animal advocate Dianne Fortney, who was joined by a several supporters in the gallery. “It’s progressive. Times have changed. London needs to change with the times, so I’m very, very pleased.”
City council voted 9-6 against a recommendation to advance a pair of bylaw amendments for Reptilia to a public participation meeting that would have taken place in March.
“If we vote ‘no’ tonight this item is a decided matter of council and there’s no need for another public participation meeting,” explained Coun. Elizabeth Peloza.
But it didn’t happen without spirited debate.
Jerry Pribil drew cackles of laughter from the gallery when he suggested Reptilia could be a tourism draw.
