Maple Ridge staff don’t want the district barking up the wrong tree so it’s recommending that it sign a five-year deal with the SPCA.
Under the proposal, the SPCA will operate the new community animal centre on weekdays and weekends, except for holidays.
The SPCA also will provide animal control services in the district and run a volunteer and education program from the new energy-smart shelter that’s jointed owned by the B.C. SPCA and the District of Maple Ridge. It also has to get along and cooperate with other animal charities.
The new deal will be pricier though, in part because the larger shelter can handle more staff. Starting 2012, the yearly fee will be $331,000 – compared to $314,000 billed the district in 2011.
A staff report says the district can issue a request for proposals for the contract but it did that five years ago and no options came forward.
“The district has a valued relationship with the B.C. SPCA and we recommend that we continue to partner with them for our animal service needs,” staff suggest.
Council Tuesday was to look at the new agreement, which follows the opening of the $3.6-million new shelter on Jackson Road this May.
Katie’s Place cat shelter will continue to operate on district land next to the new SPCA.