'A game-changer for animals': Regina Humane Society breaks ground on new animal care centre
Since 1964, the Regina Humane Society (RHS) has made its home in north Regina. On Thursday, the RHS broke ground on a new and innovative animal community centre in Harbour Landing.
“We are not building a traditional animal centre,” executive director, Lisa Koch said. “You’ll be able to see the stark contrast and what it will mean for both animals and people.
“Our current facility is falling apart around us. We spend money just trying to keep the lights on and the doors open with the current conditions we have.”
The RHS Animal Community Centre will offer a safe refuge for homeless pets, a home-like adoption gallery and an education centre along with expanded veterinary services.
“This will be a game-changer for the health and welfare for the animals,” said Koch.
The total project cost is $28 million, with most of the bill being paid by donors. Sylvia Aumuller passed away in 2009. The welfare of animals, specifically cats, was her passion. RHS honoured her estate donation of $1.4 million by naming the adoption atrium in her name.
“She would be thrilled and so happy this day has finally come,” Sylvia’s niece Paula Duguid said. “It would have been nice for her to see the facility.”
“It would give her comfort to know how well the humane society is going to be able to treat and care for the animals,” nephew Ken Karwandy said.
The City of Regina also joined in the partnership, funding 46 per cent of the new facility. Mayor Sandra Masters called the relationship between the RHS and the city longstanding.
“For a very long time, the current facility has been somewhat inaccessible to the community,” she said. “So bringing the connection back into the community is worth the investment and we’re looking forward to more participation with the community and humane society and these animals.”
“It takes a village to bring a project of this size to life,” said Koch. “We were founded by our community and it’s always been there for us.”
To date, the project has secured just over $24 million in funding, leaving about $4 million left to raise. RHS hopes to have the centre open and operational by June of 2023.
The new facility will be located at 4900 Parliament Ave.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.