The City of New Westminster will get to work on planning for a new animal shelter in 2013.
The New Westminster Animal Shelter is currently located on Ewen Avenue in Queensborough. In the past, community members and council have voiced a need for a new animal shelter.
Gary Holowatiuk, the city's director of finance and information technology, said the process will be getting underway this year.
"I am very pleased to see this in the five-year capital plan," said Coun. Lorrie Williams. "I think it is long overdue."
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy said he's very pleased to see this process getting underway.
"I swear every second house in New Westminster owns a dog," he said. "There has been pressure on the New Westminster Animal Shelter, we know that."
McEvoy suggested council should visit shelter in communities like North Vancouver and Coquitlam to view the difference in animal shelter operations that have developed over time.
"It is a great proposal," he said. "It is badly needed in our city."
