Council briefs: Private zoo plan stopped in tracks. Consumption site goes ahead

Safe drug consumption site re-zoning approved

Council voted to approve the re-zoning of 446 York St. that will clear the way for its use as a safe consumption site. The re-zoning was recommended by the planning committee. The site is the former JohnBellonemusic store.

Twelve city councillors voted for the rezoning.Councillors Steve Hillier and Shawn Lewis, both rookies, opposed the re-zoning. Stephen Turner declared a conflict because he works at the health unit.

For this group, no zoos is good news

A plan to bring a reptile zoo to London was halted after city council voted against a motion that asked staff to study ways to regulate private zoos.

A motion to refer the matter to staff for study was defeated five to nine, a result that triggered applause from about 20 people who turned up to oppose it, some carrying signs that said "Keep zoos out of London."

The motion came as a result of a plan by Reptilia, which operates zoos in Vaughan and Whitby, to come to London.

Coun. Paul Van Meerbergen said Reptiliawould be a good addition to WestmountMall, which he said could use the tenant as it gets set to begin an extensive overhaul. "I see this as a win-win," he said. "This is a reputable company."

However others, including councillors Phil Squire, Mo Salih and Elizabeth Pelozaspoke against the motion, citing concerns about the animals' welfare.

Coun.Shawn Lewis was in favour of having staff look at the rules, mainly for the information it would provide about the legal issues relating to zoos. He said the information would be helpful if another live zoo operator wants to come to London down the road.

In the end the motion fellwith Mayor Ed Holder and councillors Van Meerbergen, Michael Van Holst, Jesse Helmer andCassidy voting in favour of the staff referral.

Speaking outside council chambers after the voteAmanda Barker, who came to the public gallery to oppose the motion, said council made the right decision.

"Breeding and captivity is something that most of us are against," she said. "It doesn't meet [the animals'] needs for natural interaction with each other."

Temporary Juno tent gets green light

A request from the Juno organizing committee for $150,000 to set up a temporary tent outside Budweiser Gardens during theawardsin March was approved.

Itbecame controversial last week when Coun. Stephen Turner said the money should come from Tourism London's share of the new accommodation tax, not the city's portion, which is earmarked for "tourism infrastructure."

Coun. Steve Lehman admitted the money wouldcome from "the wrong bucket" but said the Junos were too importantto risk not putting on a first-rate show.

Coun. Cassidy argued that Tourism London should have shouldered the cost, pointing out they already have "a $2 million budget."

In the end, the motion passed 10-5 with Cassidy, Squire, Anna Hopkins, Turner and Pelozaopposed.

Legal retail pot? London opts in

Council voted 13-1 Van Holst opposed, Turner recused to opt in to allowing private retail marijuana shops to operate in London under licensing rules laid out by the province.

The province is now planning to limit the number of licences province-wide at 25 total shops by April, so it's unclear how many, if any, pot shops will open their doors come spring.

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