Shown are some pictures of the Battlefords Humane Society's new boarding facility, the first stage in the organization's plans to build a new shelter. The Bill and Betty Heno Fund (shown top left) helped sponsor the society's land purchase for the new shelter project. (Facebook/Shelter Us Campaign)

By Angela Brown

Shelter build to start in spring

Humane Society making progress with new shelter and boarding facility

Aug 31, 2022 | 6:01 PM

The Battlefords Humane Society is making progress with its plans to build a new animal shelter and a pet boarding facility, a total $2-million value project.

The site is being constructed off Highway 4 North, in the R.M. of North Battleford.

Shelter co-ordinator, Michelle Spark, said it’s wonderful to see how much work has been done already.

The boarding facility is being built first since it will be able to provide revenue for the new shelter.

“We don’t want to build a new shelter and then end up having to close our doors because we can’t run it,” Spark said. “So the boarding facility was a great way for us to generate some revenue to help with operations, and make sure that we can sustain the new building that we’re asking the community to help us pay for.”

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Work is moving along smoothly on the project.

“The plan is still exactly on track,” Spark said. “They are planning on being done by the end of November, and we should hopefully have the keys on Nov. 2.”

Currently applications are being accepted until Sept. 13 for the manager position at the boarding facility that will provide services for both cats and dogs. Once the manager role is filled, the organizers will start advertising for the rest of the staff.

Plans are to have the boarding and grooming facility open in December in time for Christmas.

Then, work will begin constructing the new shelter building, which will be located next to the boarding facility.

“Nothing is carved in stone, but we are hoping that construction on the new shelter will start in the spring. When the ground thaws, we can get in there and start construction,” Spark said.

Fundraising for the shelter project is ongoing. People can donate to the initiative by contacting the Battlefords Humane Society or through the “Shelter Us” capital campaign website.

“We have volunteers helping with fundraising,” Spark said. “Our board members are all volunteers and are working hard at making this project happen.”

The Bill and Betty Heno Fund has also been a great boost to the initiative, providing a $100,000 donation to help support the purchase of the land for the new humane society building.

Volunteers, shelter staff and community members are all continuing to attempt to raise money, and increase awareness of the project.

“It has definitely been a team effort, of everyone trying to work together to make it happen,” Spark said. “The closer we get, the more the dream becomes a reality; we’re super excited.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW