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Friends of the Cawthra Bush & Greater Mississauga Area
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Opening comments - more at end. This editorial cut right to heart of the matter. If our politicians really did give a damn, they could support the Stevenses and the communities efforts. They are not chained to the law, unable to escape. It is also very clear there is a disagreement between Mayor Hazel McCallion and Ward 6 councillor David Culham ("feud"). It is the feud that matters more to Hazel. Aug. 18, 1989 Mississauga News - Editorial Simple problem; simple solution If it's illegal for Brian and Lois Stevens to operate the Burnhamthorpe Cat Shelter, why not change law? A variance which would legalize the operation for a temporary period would solve a moral dilemma and at the same time deny Mayor Hazel McCallion and Ward 6 councillor David Culham the continued opportunity to hurl barbs at one another. By our observation, the McCallion/Culham feud has created a tempest in a teapot, while confronting a basically simple problem. The Stevens couple has been fingered for operating a private cat shelter contrary to local by-laws. And they're doing so in a City-owned house on property which will eventually form part of Mississauga's Public Gardens and Conservatory, our High Park on the Credit. Legally, they're in the wrong. And as their penalty they'll have to vacate the house by October, which will then be razed. Morally, however, who can possibly argue the doing anything but good works. Private shelters have existed in Mississauga and other municipalities for years --- and will continue to do so long after the Stevens' shelter falls to the wreckers' ball. There are bylaws in place to prevent people from operating animal shelters, but are only enforced when a public complaint is received. No complaints have ever been levelled against the Stevens' operations, we suspect because it is in an ideal location; far from neighbors, on a remote piece of parkland. Further, parading a new Ontario Humane Society shelter as a sanctioned replacement simply doesn't work. The OHS shelter will not be able to maintain a no-kill policy, and will routinely put down sick and feral cats. Only private shelters can provide a level of service which will not see animals euthanized. The City doesn't need the land for at least two years. It will cost about $8,000 to keep the building habitable for that time. Why not find a way to let the Stevens' stay? PLEEASSE SIGN OUR PETITION It will make a difference! Home Page - Main Table of Contents - Back up a page - Back to Top [COMMENTS BY DON B. - ] |
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