The city will move forward with selling a portion of land at Centennial Park recently deemed surplus.
During Monday's meeting, city council directed staff to solicit expressions of interest (EOIs) to purchase the 2.14 acres of land, just off Exmouth Street.
The parcel of land was declared surplus during the June 22 meeting, where the Sarnia and District Humane Society was also granted first right of refusal to match the highest EOI submission, as the organization plans to expand.
"This is not simply about acquiring additional property, it is about protecting the potential to meet future community needs," said Executive Director Donna Pyette during her delegation to council on Monday. "It is about ensuring that the humane society can continue evolving as circumstances change, and it is about creating capacity before crisis demands it."
One of the services the humane society provides is public wellness clinics for owned pets, a volunteer-driven program. Pyette said last year, they serviced nearly 2,000 pets, highlighting the need for an affordable vet clinic in the area.
"Right now, we're just so bogged down with surrenders and strays. If we just had that ability to be able to provide a bigger space where we can help the community more, that's really what it all comes down to for this new shelter," Pyette said.
Staff initially suggested an EOI period of eight weeks.
Councillor George Vandenberg questioned why the city couldn't immediately start negotiations with the humane society to purchase the land right away.
Mayor Mike Bradley said the EOI process would protect the city if a complaint is filed at a later time.
"The point that was just made has been difficult for a lot of folks to understand, that there's actually just a regulatory process," said Councillor Brian White. "It doesn't mean we're not individually or collectively supportive one way or the other, but there is a legal process that we just have to follow."
Councillor Anne Marie Gillis initially asked if the EOI process could be shortened to four weeks, but later settled on six weeks after being cautioned by city staff.
The motion to direct staff to solicit EOIs for six weeks passed unanimously. Councillors Bill Dennis and Dave Boushy were not present for the meeting.
A report to council noted EOI submissions will not be evaluated on price alone and other objectives may be considered.
The fair market value appraisal for the surplus land was $1.2 million.
Since Monday marked the last regular city council meeting of this term, Bradley confirmed, at the end of the EOI period, the chief administrative officer will have delegated authority to move forward with the humane society. However, a special council meeting can be called if necessary.
Meanwhile, council also approved the renewal of a five-year agreement to have the humane society oversee day-to-day operations of the Children’s Animal Farm for $186,339 annually.
