Discovery Wildlife Park is expanding its winter facilities for its animals.
Zoo officials will be hauling in a 10-metre by 13-metre barn from Red Deer County that is being donated by a Central Alberta businessman.
However, the zoo first had to get development permit approval from town council to put it on the property, as the barn is considered an accessory building and a listed use on the land that is classified as a Direct Control District. Town council is the development authority on this issue.
Town council approved the application by zoo owners to move the building onto its site at its Feb. 8 regular meeting. Coun. Doug Bos, who is co-owner of Discovery Wildlife Park, was not at the meeting as he was vacationing in Arizona.
However, Bos told the Province on Feb. 9 the barn will be used as an expanded winter facility for his current animals, like the alligator and tortoise. He said the extra space will allow the zoo to add more animals to its existing collection.
“We have proper facilities now. It's just not very big and we want to expand it,” said Bos. “Hopefully we can add to our collection because we will have proper winter facilities.”
Council was told the building is in good structural condition and does not require any repairs. Bos said the building will be transported to the zoo either next month or in April. Council was told the barn will be put on a temporary location while the foundation is constructed.
Council was told the new building will not affect Waskasoo Creek or the existing vegetation along its shoreline.
