The Edmonton Humane Society is throwing open its doors to the public this weekend to show off its new $22.5 million facility.
The society has occupied its new headquarters just off 137 Avenue for about a month after spending nearly 60 years in a now old and crumbling building on Yellowhead and 66 Street.
“That was such an old, depressing building, it was hard for anybody to be there,” said spokesperson Shawna Randolph. “We’re calling it a quantum leap into a centre of excellence.”
Among the features in the 47,000-sq. ft. facility are independent ventilation for each area, dedicated education space, more spacious areas for dogs and cats awaiting admission and adoption, and double the number of examination rooms and surgical suites.
There are also exercise pens, adoption galleries and flex rooms that can accommodate exotic pets like snakes.
The facility has been open for “bare bones” service of admission and adoption for about a month. By the weekend it should have its coin operated dog wash, summer camps and behaviour training on stream. Other elements, such as a dog day care and off-leash park will open in the next week or so, Randolph said.
“The first thing that we noticed when we moved here was just how much more relaxed the animals seem to be,” Randolph said.
The animals aren’t the only ones. Public reaction to the building has been very positive.
“People are just showing up to just hang out and be with animals,” she said.
Coming at the height of Alberta’s economic boom, the construction project experienced cost escalations that prompted the province to step in last September with a $6 million cheque. St. Albert contributed $84,000 toward the structure’s capital cost. The building alone cost $14 million.
The facility has drawn criticism from some local pet care businesses for venturing into revenue generating activities like dog boarding, but Randolph insists the centre isn’t trying to muscle into anyone’s business.
“This building is more than an animal shelter. It’s a community learning centre. Our goal is to provide the tools for responsible pet ownership,” Randolph said.
The new building has been atop the society’s wish list for many years. It comes after researching 70 other state-of-the-art facilities throughout North America.
“So many tears were shed, especially the first day that we brought the animals into the shelter,” Randolph said. “This is definitely a dream that has become reality.”
The open house runs Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at 13620 - 163 Street in Edmonton.
The open house will include activities for animal lovers, tours, and raffles. On Saturday, local author Marty Chan will launch a children’s book inspired by two cats he adopted from the society (see story, page 43). Edmonton Oiler Zack Stortini will make an appearance on Sunday.
