City plans to transfer land to Swift Current SPCA for $1
The City of Swift Current plans to give a helping hand to the Swift Current SPCA with a land transfer at a cost of one dollar.
Council members approved a notice of motion during a regular City council meeting on April 29 to advise the public of their intention to consider selling the land where the animal shelter is currently located to the Swift Current SPCA for less than market value.
This decision is a result of a submission made by Swift Current SPCA representatives to council at a City Governance and Priorities Committee meeting in November 2023.
That presentation provided details about the development of a larger facility that would include a crematorium, boarding services and a vet clinic. The City was requested to consider transferring the current leased land to the Swift Current SPCA.
City Chief Administrative Officer Jim Jones said it took a few months to work through the details of this proposed land sale arrangement.
“It’s taken us a little bit longer than what we had hoped for, but a lot of that was just to get the bylaw right and to make sure that the community realized that the $1 is just something that is going to help them apply for grants, because they have to own the land to be able to apply for a lot of grants,” he explained. “So it’s taken three to five months to make sure that we get it right and we’re excited for them. We think it’s a great opportunity and I hope it helps.”
There has been a lease agreement between the City and the Swift Current SPCA for the use of this land since April 1990. The original lease agreement required that the SPCA constructs and operates an animal shelter and that the SPCA operates the City pound at this site.
The City entered into a subsequent lease agreement with the Swift Current SPCA in August 2022, which determined that the non-profit organization will lease the land for a period of 30 years for the sum of one dollar per year.
The SPCA’S request that the land be transferred to them is a result of the organization’s goal to replace the ageing animal shelter.
“As the necessity for animal services has increased, including the need for additional capacity, it has become apparent that the current facility requires numerous updates to ensure that it complies with updated building codes and can provide the best standard of care to the animals in the shelter,” Jones said.
The City has owned the land where the animal shelter is located since 1958. It is situated in the Mcintyre Industrial Park, a light industrial district zoned for a variety of industrial and manufacturing uses that also allows an animal shelter as a discretionary use.
This has been a good location, because any barking dogs or after hour activity when a bylaw officer brings an animal to the pound will not cause any disturbance.
“Given the size and location of the property, it is not considered saleable land or a desirable area for other development within the city,” he said. “Transfer of the property would allow for the SPCA to expand its current facility, apply for grant funding and provide the potential for future financing options. Any transfer of the property would be contingent on the SPCA entering into an agreement for continued operation of the City pound.”
The City will support a future application by the Swift Current SPCA to operate a pet crematorium at the site. The City will also waive landfill fees for material from any future demolition of the existing building when a new facility is developed.
Council approves new agreement with Swift Current 57’s baseball club:
A new two-year agreement between the City and the Swift Current 57’s baseball club was approved during a regular council meeting, April 29.
Chrissy Carter, the City’s events and program manager, said the City partners with many non-profit organizations in the community that provide sport, culture and recreation opportunities. The previous agreement with the Swift Current 57’s has expired and the new twoyear agreement for the lease of Mitchell Field will come into effect immediately after it is signed by the mayor and City clerk.
“Volunteers and fan support are essential to ensure the success of the Swift Current 57’s baseball club in the Western Canadian Baseball League within the city,” she noted. “Maintaining the
File photo strong partnership between the City of Swift Current and the Swift Current 57’s baseball club will encourage the continued involvement of the community, enthusiastic volunteers and fan base.”
The lease agreement includes the baseball diamond, concession, souvenir, admissions and beer both, washroom buildings, bleachers, lights and clubhouse at Mitchell Field. The terms of the agreement are similar to the previous one.
The Swift Current 57’s will be responsible for the cost of any leasehold improvements and it is also responsible for general maintenance.
The City will take care of some general maintenance and services, including fertilization, herbicide application and gopher control, minor construction repairs and picking up bagged garbage. One change in the new contract will mean the City will supply all washroom toiletries and garbage bags for the facility.