Newmarket merges animal services in unique pilot project

The Towns of Newmarket, Aurora and Georgina have created a partnership that is the first of its kind in Ontario, beginning Jan. 1, 2019

Bradfordtoday.com
December 17, 2018

The Towns of Aurora, Georgina and Newmarket have amalgamated their animal services and signed a two-year agreement that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

This two-year pilot project is a partnership that will allow the three municipalities to work together to provide a higher level of animal services and extended coverage. Officers from each municipality will work together to provide animal services coverage seven-days-a-week across the three municipalities.

This type of animal services partnership is the first of its kind in Ontario, as most municipalities manage animal control independently.

“This partnership is a great example of municipalities working together to find efficiencies while improving service delivery to our communities. 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,” says Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Aurora.

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

“The Town of Georgina is proud of this forward-thinking partnership in Animal Services. The Georgina Animal Shelter & 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,” says Winanne Grant, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Georgina.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) will still provide support to the municipalities to investigate concerns of animal neglect and abuse. The OSPCA will also continue to help uphold the standard of care and prevention of cruelty to all animals.

“The Town of Newmarket is excited to merge our Animal Services with the Towns of Aurora and Georgina,” says Esther Armchuk, Acting CAO, Town of Newmarket. “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 & Adoption Centre at 26815 Civic Centre Road in Keswick. The centre can be reached at 1-800-898-8606.

As of Jan. 1, 2019, residents from all three municipalities should report animal complaints through using the dedicated hotline at 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) or by email at animalservices@aurora.ca.

For more information on Animal Services in Aurora, Georgina and Newmarket, please visit aurora.ca, georgina.ca and newmarket.ca.