Manitoba’s Bear Rehabilitation Centre could open this summer

Manitoba’s first Bear Rehabilitation Centre is on its way to clearing a major hurdle before becoming reality.

“Manitobans have been asking for this,” Judy Stearns said.

“We don’t want anymore orphan bears to get euthanized.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We don't want anymore orphan bears to get euthanized."

The project, spearheaded by Judy and Roger Stearns, got a huge financial boost by the former Price is Right host, Bob Barker last year.

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“We can make it bigger and better with that money from Bob,” said Stearns.

They hoped it would have opened already but have experienced delays getting the right approvals.

Today, the Stearns and Julie Woodyer with Zoocheck in Toronto made a presentation to the Rural Municipality of Rockwood asking to change the Agriculture zoning bylaw to allow bears.  Without the approval the Centre will be halted.

“I don’t see any opposition to it,” Reeve Jim Campbell said. “We haven’t heard boo about it, I don’t see a problem with it.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I don't see any opposition to it," Reeve Jim Campbell said. "We haven't heard boo about it, I don't see a problem with it."

Council will make a decision for or against the centre on June 14.