Dog daycare supporters come out in force for inn

HAMMONDS PLAINS - Dog daycare residents and clients showed their support for the Pampered Paws Inn last week.

About 50 supporters attended a public meeting held at the Hammonds Plains Community Centre to discuss proposed amendments to HRM's municipal planning strategy and land -use bylaws that will allow the daycare to keep operating.

Local resident, Joyce Evans had previously, and successfully, fought the construction of a local rock crushing quarry - a fight which went to the Supreme Court of Canada. The development was not wanted by the residents, but was still being pushed through by different levels of government.

"So, I couldn't believe they would pick on a positive business like Wendy's (Pampered Paws Inn)," Evans stated. "This is something the community wants."

Currently, the MPS and LUB list of allowable uses for the property at 1725 Hammonds Plains Rd. do not include a kennel, although stables and farms are allowed. Because of this omission the owners of Pampered Paws Inn, Wendy Gillespie and Del Clarke, are faced with the prospect of closing their business if amendments are not passed.

Municipal planner, Leticia Smillie, provided details on the process of changing the property's zoning to a crowd, which included supporters who came from as far away as Purcell's Cove and Truro.

"We must look at the impact on a community," Smillie explained. "Currently, restaurants and farms are allowed. A daycare for dogs is unlikely to have more of an impact than these."

A proposal must be made before Halifax regional council to change the bylaws. If accepted, it will be forwarded to community council to look specifically at a development agreement for Pampered Paws Inn.

"We're probably looking at the end of May, beginning of June," Smillie advised, regarding the time-frame for these steps.

Some supporters found the lengthy process - begun nearly a year ago - to be unnecessary.

"This should have just been rubber stamped," said Sandy Findley, who drives from Dartmouth to board her dog.

Dawn Ross, also from Dartmouth, agreed with Findley. "I'm not sure why we're here. There are cows across the road."

Neighbour Roland White added, "I have no problem with (Pampered Paws). I'm right downwind from them and I get no unsavoury smells." He noted that five wild pheasants on his property made more noise than the dogs.

The term "kennel" raised concerns for most speakers, arguing that it conjured up images of dogs in cages, howling outdoors. They view Pampered Paws Inn as a pet care facility. There are no cages, dogs are under constant supervision and webcams provide client access to pets 24/7.

"I don't think I want council to come in and talk about kennels," said Hammonds Plains resident Donna Brunt. "I want to make sure they understand that the issue is a high-class daycare. We're not talking about kennels in the traditional sense."

Hammonds Plains Coun. Gary Meade urged supporters to show up in force for the regional council meeting when it is scheduled. "If you don't show up, you may get 10 people from Beaver Bank or Sackville who don't want a doggie daycare." Without a show of support to counter any opposition, he argued, the proposal would be halted.

"The next one is the most important meeting in our application," agreed Gillespie. But she remained optimistic. "With all this support, I can only think there will be a positive outcome."

atoal@ns.sympatico.ca