Sneak peek inside Reptilia’s nearly completed zoo as it awaits decision on by-law exemption
Reptilia has been building its new facility in London, Ont. even though the zoo’s request for an exemption to the Animal Control By-law has yet to be heard by council.
On Tuesday, Reptilia offered CTV News London a tour of its self-described “reptile zoo and conservation centre” inside Westmount Mall.
Numerous concrete and glass enclosures in various states of completion fill the sprawling 35,000 sq. ft. facility.
“We anticipate about half a million people coming here a year,” predicts Bob Murphy, Reptilia’s director of animal welfare.
But a political hurdle may stand in the way.
As CTV News London first reported on Wednesday, Reptilia is asking city council for an exemption to London’s Animal Control By-law that forbids the display of exotic species.
After making a significant financial investment building the zoo, Reptilia doesn’t believe that a by-law exemption is legally required.
Construction of Reptilia nears completion at London, Ont.'s Westmount Mall on Nov. 25, 2022. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)
“Where the question sits right now is: Does our permit for indigenous species extend to non-indigenous exotic species?” explained Murphy. “Two lawyers are of the opinion that it does, because the province also oversees the health and safety on non-indigenous species.”
He suggests Reptilia’s exemption request is about community acceptance.
“From Reptilia’s perspective, we think we can open as it stands, but we really want the blessing of the City of London and the people of London,” he said.
Civic administration directed CTV News London to an April 2022 report that suggests Reptilia intends to operate under a provincial licence that permits exotic animals.
The report explained, “Once they are open and operating, enforcement of the terms and conditions of the [licence] will be the responsibility of the Province.”
Construction of Reptilia nears completion at London, Ont.'s Westmount Mall on Nov. 25, 2022. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)
However, the report added, “if there are matters outside of their [licence], they may be subject to the City’s Animal Control By-law.”
Reptilia displays 250 species of reptiles, amphibians, and spiders from around the world at its locations in Vaughan and Whitby.
Reptilia expects construction to be completed by the end of December.
The Community and Protective Services Committee is being asked to consider the exemption Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Alice Munro, Nobel literature winner revered as short story master, dead at 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant who became one of the world's most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history's most honoured short story writers, has died at age 92.
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Attack on prison van in France kills 2 officers, inmate escapes
Armed assailants killed two French prison officers and seriously wounded three others in an attack on a convoy in Normandy on Tuesday and an inmate escaped, officials said.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence for 10 years under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region
A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Manitoba premier to visit areas impacted by wildfire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will get a close-up look at the devastation from a large wildfire burning in northern Manitoba Tuesday.
1 killed, 3 injured including toddler, after Hwy. 417 crash in Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Police are responding to a fatal collision involving two vehicles on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end on Tuesday morning.