KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
Construction on the new SPCA building for SDG Counties has officially begun on Second Street in Cornwall and everyone, including four-legged friends, were excited at the ground-breaking ceremonies. The new facility hopes to become the leading animal care centre in SDG and the province, for animals in need of care and a temporary home until they can find their forever family.
The Ontario branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is blessed to have a dedicated group of volunteers and staff whose foremost goal is to provide care and comfort to animals in the community, and in turn, help families provide loving homes for their pets. SDG SPCA covers over 5,000 square kilometres, serving one of the largest areas in the province. In SDG, the SPCA faces many challenges, including diverse interests, financial strain and a building that could no longer provide the necessary welfare to animals.
Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Development for the SPCA, said, “This is a special day for animals and for our community.” Planning for the new building began two years ago. Through philanthropic support of $4 million, construction of the new SPCA home has started.
The facility will be 8,000 square feet, with space to care for 57 animals and an adjacent veterinary clinic. Eventually, the clinic plans to offer affordable spay and neuter services, although the mobile Neuter Scooter has already helped many families in Cornwall and Akwesasne.
Dignitaries included Senator Bernadette Clement, MP Eric Duncan, Mayor Justin Towndale and Chief Fallon David of Akwesasne, who said, “Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.” Senator Clement shared a memory of her father and how much more relaxed he always seemed after a pet therapy day at his long-term care facility.
And while the Ontario SPCA does not receive funding from either the federal or provincial government, Duncan and Clement said they looked forward to participating in future fundraising initiatives for the remaining $4 million needed to take this project to the finish line. The SPCA fundraising committee has already approached Township Councils, including both North and South Glengarry, for support of $20,000.
The new facility is anticipated to open in 2027.
L’article Work starts on new Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry SPCA centre est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
