City of Powell River councillors heard a request to relocate the Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) facility from its Willow Avenue location in Townsite.
At the October 3 committee of the whole meeting, Jason Schreurs made the request, citing illegal use of the property’s zoning restrictions, bylaw infractions, and health and safety hazards. He said he lives next door to the PROWLS location situated at 5772 Willow Avenue. Schreurs said he had spoken to city staff about his concerns, and also councillor Rob Southcott.
“I’d like to ask council to relocate PROWLS from Townsite’s residential area,” said Schreurs.
He said he also wanted to outline how PROWLS is in violation of city bylaws and to share information about PROWLS failure to abide by the provincial Wildlife Act.
Schreurs said city bylaws stipulate that all residents have a right to peaceful enjoyment of their property. He added that the Noise Control Bylaw states that no owner or occupier shall permit any animal to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood.
Another complaint was that multiple structures on the property were in breach of the zoning bylaw. The final point was that health hazards exist, such as rodents, bear and other wildlife attractants, and improper disposal of bird carcasses.
“Information on PROWLS’ website has all kinds of references on how they are overflowing with animals and confirms the facility in Townsite is not suitable, and reveals health and safety hazards,” said Schreurs.
He said he had talked to Jack Evans, a BC wildlife biologist, who indicated that PROWLS is currently without a permit to house wild animals and that inspection has not taken place for several years. No other wildlife rehabilitation facilities in BC are located in residential zones, according to Schreurs.
Possible solutions, said Schreurs, include approaching Powell River Community Forest for funds to relocate PROWLS, or relocating the operation to the bird sanctuary in Cranberry. Other solutions include relocating PROWLS to another property in the city or qathet Regional District, scaling back or closing operations at 5772 Willow Avenue, he added.
Councillors comment
Southcott said he would be surprised if PROWLS wasn’t already working on quite a bit of what Schreurs had conveyed. The councillor said this spring, there were meetings and it was his impression that work had been carried forward.
“One other comment I would make is there is widespread appreciation for the work that PROWLS does across this community,” said Southcott.
Councillor George Doubt asked if Schreurs had talked to PROWLS about his concerns. Schreurs said he had spoken with PROWLS representatives.
Doubt said he wanted to make sure people know that PROWLS is a separate service and not part of the city’s operations.
Mayor Ron Woznow said the city owns 150 properties and there may be one that would work well to relocate the facility.
Southcott, who is also the committee of the whole chair, said he was looking for unanimous consent from councillors to refer the matter to staff to pursue and perhaps advance the matter on the priority list. Corporate officer Chris Jackson said he was perceiving that there was direction to staff to work with PROWLS and the neighbours to seek resolution for the immediate concerns and work toward long-term relocation of the property.
The committee gave unanimous consent.
In a written rebuttal, PROWLS president Merrilee Prior said regarding Schreurs’ statement that PROWLS is operating without a permit, she has a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service to care for migratory birds and she has made submission to renew her provincial permit.
“I still have not heard from the province, but neither have other facilities in the region,” stated Prior. “They, too, are carrying on without permit. Last year, it took more than seven months.
“As for no inspection, that is entirely within the province’s domain. They can come for an inspection once a week if they feel the need.”
Prior stated that there are other wildlife facilities in BC located in residential zones, with the Wildlife Rescue Association located by the densely urbanized shore of Burnaby Lake. She added that she has never failed to abide by the Wildlife Act.
As for noise, Prior stated that this past summer, there were two baby crows squawking and when Schreurs complained, she moved the birds and they were no longer a problem.
Prior’s final point was that the operation being a health hazard was without foundation. She said there is no food for rats to get into because food goes from the house to the cages, which are rodent-proof.
“So far this year, we have taken in about 450 wild animals,” stated Prior. “The people who call us are very grateful for the service we provide and boast to friends and relatives elsewhere that we are a perfect example of Powell River’s community spirit. We have tremendous support in the community.
“That said, we do need an appropriate space and any assistance in that direction is welcome. Shutting us down, however, is not a solution.”
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