A crowd willingly sat through two hours of council on a Monday night to successfully support their local veterinarian.

“She provides a valuable service to the entire community,” said neighbour Gene Johnson, among the 50 to 60 people crammed into North Saanich municipal hall.

Sue McTaggart seeks to rezone a property at 1700 McTavish Road; council approved of her request to rezone to a new rural zone for vet clinics.

The crowd of support was prompted by a letter from a neighbour to council, voicing concern over hours of operation, traffic volume and the future of the property should it change hands.

“I have no qualms with the woman as a veterinarian,” said Larry Franklin, adding that his concern is rezoning the property. “Things change. Five years from now the property could sell.”

One of council’s options was to rezone to C5, professional office, which could affect future uses. Council also had the option to simply add veterinary clinic to the allowable uses in A3 zoning, but opted to create a special veterinary zone — similar to zoning used in Saanich and Central Saanich.

Franklin also voiced concern over kennel noise in a letter to council.

“I can understand how someone might be concerned about that,” McTaggert said, adding that it will be soundproofed and that the current kennel hasn’t warranted any complaints from neighbours.

Traffic will not change and there will be ample parking, McTaggert added. She currently operates her vet clinic on another McTavish Road property.

Council considered limiting hours of operation for the veterinary clinic, but noted it would limit emergency care.

“It would defeat the purpose of a local vet if they can’t see a pet in the wee hours,” said councillor Cairine Green.

Municipal staff will prepare the bylaws needed for the zoning change. It will require readings of the bylaw as well as a public hearing.

‘It’ll come back to council several times, first and second reading. It’ll go to public hearing ... we have a process,” said councillor Peter Chandler.

reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com