$4M expansion to create new Northumberland Humane Society Animal Care and Adoption Centre
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Going back about a decade ago, the Northumberland Humane Society had dreams to one day have an animal care campus-style home built on “second chances.”
And as of earlier this month, the Northumberland Humane Society’s (NHS) dream is officially on track to become a reality, with construction underway on a new “Animal Care and Adoption Centre” on Theatre Road in Cobourg.
To make this dream happen, NHS has also publicly announced the launch of a $4-million “Built on Second Chances” campaign, with an emphasis on creating a space “where animals find their way home,” and transforming animal care across the county.
“Presently, we’ve already broken ground,” Wendy Riley, animal care director, told the Independent. “They are working on our new 6,100-square-foot addition (now.)
“It will be directly connected to our present building so it’s not going to inhibit our ability to support animals in any way, shape or form. We’ll continue doing intake and rehab in our present building.
“When the new building is complete, we will transfer to that location and then we will renovate this present building so that we’ll have an intake centre and an adoption centre.”
The $4-million campaign is the projected cost for the entire build spanning three phases, with $2.2 million of that dedicated to Phase 1 underway now.
At press deadline, more than $1.6 million had already been raised.
“We have an amazing community here and we just recently got a $500,000 gift, which we are incredibly grateful for,” capital campaign director Kim Good told the Independent. “The donor would like to remain anonymous, but they are massive community supporters (and) we’re doing very well.”
According to NHS, the campaign is also building on a significant financial commitment by the organization, as well as the generosity of several other donors and community partners who stepped forward during the early phase.
The official ground-breaking ceremony for construction was held last week at the NHS 2363 Theatre Rd. site, bringing together long-time project advocates, local leaders, campaign volunteers, partners, supporters, and more.
Currently, Phase 1 of construction is slated to wrap in August 2027, with Phase 2 to follow immediately and then Phase 3 (which is still being fully ironed out.)
“For 60 years, the Northumberland Humane Society has been here for animals and the people who care about them,” noted Denise O’Brien, NHS board and campaign chair.
O’Brien also said this build is for next 60 years to come.
“Built on Second Chances is about creating a facility that reflects the quality of care our animals deserve, and gives our staff, volunteers and community the environment and resources needed to continue this important work.”
The society’s current shelter was built almost three decades ago as a municipal pound. Project advocates said it was never designed to meet the needs of a modern animal welfare organization – a place that is so much more than just a physical space to shelter animals. Put another way, they said the current Theatre Road facility can no longer adequately meet the needs of animals and the people it serves or the programs NHS delivers.
Some of the current challenges cited range from poor ventilation to high noise levels, limited isolation and medical space, and the aging and inadequate facilities just make caring for animals harder than it should be.
“Every part of this project is being considered through the lens of how we can better care for animals,” said Riley. “The new centre will provide safer, healthier and more appropriate spaces for the animals (that) come through our doors, while also creating a better environment for the people who care for them and help them find their way home.”
“The heart of this build is really being able to provide more capacity for the animals,” added Riley.
The expansion also comes at a time of record-high need as living costs soar, and surrenders have increased in recent years. Meanwhile, NHS is also tasked with helping pets that are abandoned, neglected, suffering from illnesses or injuries or just found wandering alone.
“The homeless pet population is a constant crisis, especially when it comes to cats in this community,” explained Riley. “There’s definitely a kitten crisis that we’re dealing with this year.
“This is my fourth year in this area. Every year the kitten crisis grows.
“We’re actually on our 58th litter of the season, so that’s in approximately seven months … (this translates to) approximately on average six kittens per litter, which is a huge drain on our resources, our staff, our foster families, and our community as a whole.”
But while ensuring animals have the space and care needed until they can find their forever homes is key, it’s not just about caring for furry friends in need.
In addition to the new build providing more space, it’s also about capacity to care for the community, and for services like the pet food bank, crisis care/emergency boarding, pet aid spay/neuter assistance, lost pet and reunification services, education and outreach and other programs and resources, explained Riley.
In other words, this is about more than providing just a facility, as NHS’ work goes beyond shelter and adoption. And these programs don’t just help keep animals safe but support residents when experiencing difficult circumstances, noted the organization.
“You know, we all think of pets as family members, so our goal here is really to try and keep pets out of the shelter system and … and provide our community with that support whenever they need it.”
However, she noted, currently, the team is limited because of space in the present building.
But the new build, through its phased transformation of the NHS facility, is supposed to address concerns. Focuses will include purpose-built spaces designed to improve animal health and well-being, increased capacity and a more accessible and welcoming environment for animals, adopters, volunteers, staff and visitors.
Phase 1 focuses on the 6,100-square-foot expansion and will “significantly enhance NHS’ animal care and adoption capacity.”
Features will also include three new dog pods with 12 additional adoption kennels, improved cat accommodations, including new cat condos and feature rooms (essentially doubling capacity for cats and dogs), dedicated meet-and-greet spaces, accessible washrooms, improved reception and surrender areas, a new kitchen and laundry space, and significant improvements to ventilation and sound management.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 will reportedly build on these improvements with expanded animal care and operational spaces, including dog enrichment and training areas, grooming and shower facilities, as well as improved intake and isolation areas.
As for Phase 3, it will focus on advancing NHS’ longer-term vision for “expanded veterinary and community animal-welfare services.” Planning for the final scope for this part is underway now.
NHS said it receives no government operating funding and relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, businesses, foundations and partners to provide programs and services.
Those like O’Brien are hoping Northumberland will answer the call to help make this long-time dream a reality.
“This is a community project,” said O’Brien. “Every animal that finds safety here, every family that finds support and every adoption that brings an animal home is made possible because people in our community choose to care.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has already helped bring us to this point, and we invite our community to help us build what comes next.”
Residents can learn more via northumberlandhs.com.
Riley said this build has been a dream in the making for the organization for at least 10 years.
NHS supports a reported 1,200-plus animals yearly.
Comments