'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.