Praise for centre, no promises

By Christina Toth - Staff reporter

Abbotsford Mission Times Feb.16/2006

Abbotsford councillors praised the work done by Elizabeth's Wildlife Centre, but made no promises at Monday's council hearing to grant the non-profit animal rehabilitation facility a $24,000 fee-for-service contract.

Elizabeth Melnick has run the Abbotsford shelter for 20 years on a shoestring budget, relying on donations, fundraising, volunteers and her own cash to take in injured or abandoned baby deer, birds, squirrels and other critters.

Making the case for the service on her behalf was EWC board member and veterinarian Ray Snopeck. Another three dozen supporters watched from the seats.

Melnick takes in "hundreds" of animals a year and handles emergency calls about possums at 3 a.m., he said. She's a registered wildlife rehabilitator, which makes the EWC unique from domestic animal shelters such as the SPCA that can only handle dogs and cats.

EWC also has a school education program that teaches children about local wildlife.

"It's a passionate service and a passionate cause," Snopeck said, adding the number of calls go up as more land is developed.

Since 1995, Abbotsford has developed about 290 hectares, excluding rural land converted for farm use. The number of animals EWC took in has increased to 671 last year from 168 in 1995, while calls increased to 3,734 from 1,842 in the same time period.

Snopeck's plea, and the pages of letters published in the Times during the past two weeks supporting the centre, seemed to have made an impact.

Councillors John Smith, Patricia Ross and Lynn Harris supported the centre.

"It's definitely . . . providing a service to the community. [The fee-for-service] would certainly be in the community's best interest, but it all comes down to priorities, unfortunately," said Harris.

Even the ever-frugal Coun. Simon Gibson found merit in Snopeck's presentation.

"One of the matters that has come forward is public safety. I think that has some currency and I think that's why it should be looked at," he said.

Snopeck told the council he will be making similar pitches to Mission and Langley.

Mayor George Ferguson suggested that since EWC's services stretches across the region, Snopeck should also talk to the Fraser Valley Regional District. A final decision will be made during 2006 city budget meetings.