Town to accept proposals for next animal control contract

Fort Erie councillors have voted to allow for an open bidding process for the next animal control contract, despite the fact it may cost them more.

Back in 2022, the town signed an agreement with the Lincoln County Humane Society–now part of the Humane Society of Greater Niagara–to provide animal care and control. The contract was for $142,000 in the first year, with annual increases of two per cent.

A report recommended directing staff to seek a two-year extension of that contract with the human society, which runs until the end of May.

“Any time we can re-enter a contract that’s three years old at a two-per-cent increase, it’s good business,” said Councillor Darren Flagg.

However, other councillors wanted to see what other options are out there, namely from the Fort Erie SPCA, which had provided the service to the municipality prior.

Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes said she recalled at the time the town told the Fort Erie SPCA they’d be given another chance to bid on the contract. In the meantime, she said the organization has “taken great steps to improve their efficiency.”

Mayor Wayne Redekop agreed, recalling what he called “consternation” when they switched providers in 2022.

“I think they (Fort Erie SPCA) have done a lot of work over the three years in order to try to address those concerns,” he said.

While he didn’t seem unhappy with the service provided by the humane society, Redekop did suggest having a provider with a physical presence in town would be a benefit.

“It’s not that they have to…but when you’re serving the public in connection with pets, and your pet goes astray and you end up having to make arrangements to get your pet some distance from here. I think that’s something that needs to be looked at,” he said.

Redekop acknowledged the risk of going through a request for proposal process and that it could result in higher bids but could also address having a provider maintain a presence in town.

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