After a lengthy debate Monday afternoon, Greater Sudbury’s planning committee has voted to move forward with rezoning land for a new municipal animal shelter in Minnow Lake. The facility would be built at 2500 Dubé Road near Moonlight Beach. Since taking over animal control services from the private sector, the city has operated its shelter out of leased space in Wahnapitae since 2016. It temporarily relocated the service to the Copper Cliff fire hall following recent closures. While the concept has drawn public concern regarding noise, traffic, and environmental impacts, an attempt by area Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc to defer the motion was defeated at the Sept. 14 planning committee meeting. There is a holding provision on the project that will not be lifted until adequate municipal water and sewer services for the site are fully resolved. Odour, noise concerns The rezoning will allow construction of a new office building and the conversion of an existing structure on the property. As part of the consultation process, the city received one letter of concern about the increase in noise, odours, traffic and environmental impact. The site includes a 3,000-square-foot storage building that is currently leased to a local non-profit. The city-owned property has an existing driveway, fencing, hydro and water and sewer connections. It is 100 metres from private property on the west and is 150 metres from Dube Road. The site is recommended because it moves operations much closer to the city and offers transportation and other long-term savings. An early budget estimate for the project is about $3 million.
