Item - 2021.EC26.10

Tracking Status

EC26.10 - Request to Review Chapter 349, Animals Exception for Reptilia Zoo

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted on Consent
Ward:
10 - Spadina - Fort York

City Council Decision

City Council on December 15, 16 and 17, 2021, adopted the following:

 

1.  City Council not grant a site-specific exception for Reptilia Zoo, at 245 Queens Quay West, under Section 349-4, Prohibited Animals Exemptions, of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals.

Background Information (Committee)

(November 17, 2021) Report from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards on Request to Review Chapter 349, Animals Exception for Reptilia Zoo
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-173358.pdf

Communications (Committee)

(November 28, 2021) E-mail from Angelo Bertolas, York Quay Neighbourhood Association (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-140572.pdf
(November 30, 2021) Submission from Kim Wright, Wright Strategies, on behalf of Reptilia (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141453.pdf
(December 1, 2021) Submission from Kim Wright, Wright Strategies, on behalf of Reptilia (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141454.pdf
(December 1, 2021) E-mail from Martin Kenneally, Harbourfront Centre (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141466.pdf
(December 1, 2021) Submission from Glenn De Baeremaeker, Zoocheck Inc. (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141550.pdf

Communications (City Council)

(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Louise (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from P. Wilson (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Deborah Perry (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Paola Catapano (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Keefe Jassoy (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Lesly Taylor (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Emily Getmeneko (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Laurence Olivo (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Kathy McDonald (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Kevin Fadalti (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Janine Cavin (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from D. R. Robbie (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Jenny (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Amy Sevigny (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Carly Ferguson (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) Letter from Diane Fraleigh, Member of Ontario Captive Animal Watch (OCAW) (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Elizabeth Abbott (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Colleen Perrin (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Jennifer (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Ruth-Anne (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Cath Ens-Hurwood (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Lorenzo Berardinetti (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Lamorie (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Cheryl Albuquerque (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Denis (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Gerald R. Brown (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Stacey Grieve (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Maureen (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Stacey Segstro and Joe Morris (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Mary Pinelli and Phil Morrison (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Elsa Campuzano (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from David (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Karin Nelson (CC.Main)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Tom Skraba (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Meghan Fraser (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Sara Crane (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Karolyn Hardmeier (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Kara Woodall (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Gabriela Tymowski-Gionet (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Geraldine Lindley (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Katherine Wightman (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Sandra Alves (CC.Supp)
(December 9, 2021) E-mail from Michael Minuck (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Jonathan Garritano (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Sharron Ready (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Suzann Ritchie (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Kit Chapman (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Sabrina Muglia (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Mark Voysey (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Deborah Stiff (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Beverley Drolet (CC.Supp)
(December 12, 2021) E-mail from Paula (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from John McVicker (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Miguel (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Catherine Desjarlais (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Daina (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Tita Zierer (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Holly Penfound (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Donna Struk (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Milena Gibson (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Rebecca (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Pauline Robert (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Magdalena Dabbour (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Debbie Fong (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Andrea Thompson (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Connie (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Ildiko (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Janet (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Joi Williams (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Marilyn (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Norma (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Paula Simpson (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Peter (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Shahrzad (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Teresa (CC.Supp)
(December 10, 2021) E-mail from Una (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Peg Harrington (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Nina Wedge (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Carolyn (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Margaret Haskell-Michalczuk (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Sandra Gallant-Crabtree (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Shan Gordon (CC.Supp)
(December 11, 2021) E-mail from Sally Hewitt (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Jennifer McKinney (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Maureen Boag (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Monica (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Vanessa Tassone (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Sophie Middleton (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Kristol Gaetz (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Marg (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Erin Whike (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Janet Latremouille (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Florine (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Susan (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Les Bird (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Jako Blurch (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Jessica Cordner (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Claudia Biagi (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Paul Mander (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) Letter from Brian Child, President, Reptilia (CC.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/cc/comm/communicationfile-142680.pdf
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Doris Potter (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Caroline Kipling (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Peter Parrot (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Debbie Wall and The Gang of Fur (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Feher (CC.Supp)
(December 13, 2021) E-mail from Julie (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Cathy Veris (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Sadaf Mohamud (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Zoe Jordan (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Elissa Pinkney (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Christina Vani (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Jack and Sue Sarge (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Megan Hashemi (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Donna Pearson (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Katie (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Yvette (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Julie (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Margarete Sagebiel (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Vicki Van Linden (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada (CC.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/cc/comm/communicationfile-142745.pdf
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Liza (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) Submission from Rob Laidlaw, Zoocheck Inc. (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Alison (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Jenny (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Louis Grittani (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Regina Toledo (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Talar Thomasian (CC.New)
(December 15, 2021) E-mail from Patricia Burns (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Summer Kelly (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Jenni Slaven (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Peter Smith (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Brad Jones (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Marion Markham (CC.New)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Diane M. Kastel and Family (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Holly Penfound (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Jenny McQueen (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Louise Jorgensen (CC.Supp)
(December 14, 2021) E-mail from Michelle Labrosse (CC.Supp)
(December 15, 2021) E-mail from Victoria Trifoli (CC.New)
(December 15, 2021) E-mail from Michele Carlucci (CC.New)
(December 15, 2021) E-mail from Carolyn Helstrom (CC.New)
(December 15, 2021) E-mail from Adele Reynolds (CC.New)

EC26.10 - Request to Review Chapter 349, Animals Exception for Reptilia Zoo

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Ward:
10 - Spadina - Fort York

Committee Recommendations

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

 

1.  City Council not grant a site-specific exception for Reptilia Zoo, at 245 Queens Quay West, under Section 349-4, Prohibited Animals Exemptions, of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals.

Origin

(November 17, 2021) Report from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards

Summary

This report responds to the Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC)'s request to explore a site-specific exception in Chapter 349, Animals to permit the operations of Reptilia Zoo at 245 Queens Quay West (Harbourfront Centre).

 

Reptilia is a reptile zoo with locations in Vaughan and Whitby. Their operations include a self-guided visitation centre with exhibits that house numerous reptiles, as well as both on-site and off-site shows for education and entertainment. Reptilia's existing locations also have ancillary business functions such as adopting out reptiles, and the retail sale of food and equipment for keeping reptiles as pets.

 

The company has been in discussions with Harbourfront Centre as a prospective tenant. Reptilia's proposed program includes animals that fall under the Prohibited Animals list in Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals. ECDC has requested that staff consider the specific species that would be permitted if the Animals Bylaw was amended to provide a site-specific exception for Reptilia's operations, and the health and safety implications associated with City Council granting an exception.

 

To respond to this request, staff undertook targeted stakeholder consultation and research on the implications of such an exception, including those related to health and safety, animal welfare, and economic development. Based on the findings of this work, staff do not recommend amending the bylaw to grant a site-specific exception to the Animals Bylaw. While this report recommends against an exception, staff note that the company can still pursue its operations without housing species listed in the Prohibited Animals list.

 

This report was written in consultation with Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Public Health, and Corporate Real Estate Management.

Background Information

(November 17, 2021) Report from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards on Request to Review Chapter 349, Animals Exception for Reptilia Zoo
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-173358.pdf

Communications

(November 28, 2021) E-mail from Angelo Bertolas, York Quay Neighbourhood Association (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-140572.pdf
(November 30, 2021) Submission from Kim Wright, Wright Strategies, on behalf of Reptilia (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141453.pdf
(December 1, 2021) Submission from Kim Wright, Wright Strategies, on behalf of Reptilia (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141454.pdf
(December 1, 2021) E-mail from Martin Kenneally, Harbourfront Centre (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141466.pdf
(December 1, 2021) Submission from Glenn De Baeremaeker, Zoocheck Inc. (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/comm/communicationfile-141550.pdf

Speakers

Travis Small, Reptilia
Dr. Clifford Warwick, Emergent Disease Foundation
Barry Kent MacKay, Born Free USA
Ainslie Willock
Scott Tinney, Animal Justice
Liz White, Animal Alliance of Canada
Rachel Plotkin, David Suzuki Foundation
Dr. Ronald Orenstein
Erika Ritter
Verena Besso
Rob Laidlaw, Zoocheck Inc.
Martin Kenneally, Harbourfront Centre
Councillor Paul Ainslie

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

Vote (Adopt Item) Dec-01-2021

Result: Carried Majority Required
Total members that voted Yes: 4 Members that voted Yes are Joe Cressy, Michael Ford, Cynthia Lai, Michael Thompson (Chair)
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Shelley Carroll, Mark Grimes
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council