Next week the people who operate the Hamilton Aviary will be back at city hall looking for support to keep the venture alive.

There is much to admire about the aviary, its 60-or so feathered inhabitants and the people who have fought long and hard in their interest. The aviary has a long and storied history, stretching back nearly a century.

But time has not been kind to the aviary and its residents. They've moved from place to place to where they now reside in a dilapidated building in West Hamilton.

The operating group, Friends of the Aviary, have been told the building isn't a sustainable location since it needs $1.5 million in upgrades. They have spent a year seeking a new location, but without success. Now they want the city to give them three to five years, so they can raise money and restore the building to make it an appropriate home.

Admirable as the project is, it cannot be sustained for much longer at public expense — even though the $100,000 annual price tag is relatively modest. The reality is city hall has to be strategic about what businesses it is in, and animal attractions almost certainly aren't a priority.

We hope city council can find a way to support the Friends of the Aviary, but five years seems excessive. A viable business plan should see it become tax-dollar independent in three or so years. If there's no realistic chance of sustainability at that point, it may be time to make other plans for those feathered friends.

- Endangered Hamilton aviary asks to stay in old home