The city of Quebec does not intend to invest in larger premises for the SPA, but it could consider increasing its financial contribution to the organization and imposing permits on cats.
The councilor in charge of animal services, Claude Lavoie, insists in an interview on the city’s “openness” for better funding of the animal shelter.
“We are very concerned and sensitive,” he says of the small size of the premises of the organization, which takes care of stray or abandoned animals.
Sir. Lavoie states that the size of the contract awarded to the SPA can be revised upward if the organization requests it and that it is justified and the needs demonstrated in the context of a pandemic where adoptions and abandonments have “exploded” .
As a new means of financing, a compulsory license for cats could also be possible, says the elected representative.
“The city is absolutely not closed to this eventuality, and if in the end it is necessary to also include the issue of cats, we will do it. »
This option would make it possible to bring money into the coffers for better funding of animal services.
New premises
The general manager of SPA de Québec, Félix Tremblay, is delighted. “It’s music to my ears. […] There is a light at the end of the tunnel. »
Regarding an investment in new premises, the municipality rejects this option, as it is not used to this type of contribution for private partners.
On this issue, Mr. Tremblay agrees. But it would be possible, he said, for the municipality to agree to a possible loan for a new building, as other cities have done. Discussions on this subject continue and are characterized by “good intentions” on both sides, he says, and wants to inaugurate new premises in 2025, in time for the 150th.e the organization’s anniversary.
