Aurora, Georgina, Newmarket will have 24-7 animal control services, come Jan. 1

Three municipalities' agreement merges, enhances animal services for residents

Yorkregion.com
December 14, 2018
Teresa Latchford

A new partnership means residents of Aurora, Georgina and Newmarket will have access to animal services seven days a week.

The towns of Aurora, Georgina and Newmarket have amalgamated their animal services, and a two-year agreement will be in play Jan. 1. The pilot project will allow the three municipalities to merge their current independent services, extend coverage and provide a higher level of animal services for residents.

Aurora’s chief administrative officer, Doug Nadorozny, pointed out this type of animal services partnership is the first of its kind in Ontario; most municipalities have their own individual services operating independently from each other.

“This partnership is a great example of municipalities working together to find efficiencies while improving service delivery to our communities,” he said. “We are always looking for ways that we can share our resources, and this new agreement will standardize legislation and make our towns safer for humans and animals.”

The animal control team is responsible for investigating complaints filed by residents, conducting proactive patrols of public parks and picking up lost, stray and injured animals. Officers also provide active programs to educate and encourage responsible pet ownership.

“The Town of Georgina is proud of this forward-thinking partnership in animal services,” Georgina chief administrative officer Winanne Grant said. “The Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre is dedicated to exceptional care of our animals, and we’re excited to be offering enhanced service to our residents by working with our municipal partners, while also increasing efficiencies.”

The Ontario SPCA will continue to support the municipalities when it comes to investigating concerns of animal neglect and abuse.

“The Town of Newmarket is excited to merge our animal services with Aurora and Georgina,” Newmarket’s acting chief administrative officer Esther Armchuk said. “This partnership with our neighbouring municipalities will result in efficient cost savings, while working together to deliver well beyond the ordinary animal services in our communities.”

All cats and dogs will be housed at the Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre, at 26815 Civic Centre Rd. in Keswick.

As of Jan. 1, all residents from Aurora, Georgina and Newmarket should report animal complaints through the dedicated hotline at 1-877-979-7297 or by email at animalservices@aurora.ca.