BC SPCA PRESS RELEASE

"BC SPCA Announces Plan for New Animal Shelters in Lower Mainland

March 25, 2003

For Immediate Release:

At its meeting on March 22nd, the BC SPCA Board of Directors approved a new plan for SPCA services in the Lower Mainland for 2003-2020. The strategy includes the creation of four new regional SPCA shelters, the expansion of existing SPCA shelters in Abbotsford and Vancouver, and the development of SPCA adoption centres and kiosks in central locations around the Lower Mainland to augment shelter services. Under the new plan, the Chilliwack Shelter, slated to close in April, will be upgraded and will remain open as new services are developed in that region. Highlights of the new SPCA vision plan are:

 Expansion of the Abbotsford Shelter to increase capacity to serve animals in the Fraser Valley. Proposed completion date: 2003;

 Construction of a new regional shelter to serve the North Side of the Fraser River (Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Tri-Cities, Northeast Burnaby). Proposed completion date: 2006;

 Construction of a new shelter to serve the Langley/Surrey region. Proposed completion date: 2008;

 Construction of a new shelter to serve the Eastern Fraser Valley (Chilliwack/Abbotsford). Proposed completion date: 2010;

 Redevelopment of the Vancouver shelter. Proposed completion date: 2012.

 Construction of a new shelter to serve the North Shore of Burrard Inlet. Proposed completion date: 2020.

Michael Steven, Volunteer President of the BC SPCA, says SPCA staff have been directed to locate potential sites for the new shelters as quickly as possible so that plans can be completed on schedule. "This vision plan is ambitious but it is consistent with what we have heard from the public, through our community consultation, and in reaction to the proposed closure of the Chilliwack site," says Steven. "People have told us, in very strong terms, that the services provided by the SPCA are badly needed in their community and that they want the best possible facilities for animals in their region."

He adds that the SPCA is seeking community support to build shelters that will serve as 'community animal centres'. "In several areas we are operating out of leased buildings that were originally built by municipalities as temporary pound facilities. They simply don't meet the standards we need for animals in our care," says Steven. "Our plan is to create modern facilities that are designed with animal welfare as a top priority, and which will serve as a gathering place in the community for animal-related services such as obedience training, youth programs, volunteer opportunities, and as a one-stop resource for information on pet care and behaviour.

As plans are developed for the new regional shelters, SPCA staff will continue work on the creation of one or more adoption centres in central locations in Langley and Chilliwack. "When most people think of animal adoptions they think of the traditional shelter, but we also know that having in-mall adoption centres and other models are very successful in matching up homeless animals with potential adopters," says Steven.

He adds that the SPCA will now stay in its leased Langley property until June 30, 2003. "We were given notice to vacate the property at the end of June and we have been actively exploring alternate sites in which to operate in Langley. We had originally hoped to move to a new adoption centre in the area by April, but have now decided to stay until the end of the lease to give us as much time as possible to develop an alternate site."

At its meeting on March 22nd, the SPCA Board of Directors also approved details of an expansion plan for the Abbotsford Shelter to accommodate the needs of animals in the Fraser Valley until the new regional shelters in Langley/Surrey and Abbotsford/Chilliwack regions are completed. The plans include additional indoor and outdoor dog kennels, cat rooms, an isolation area, animal enrichment space, and an adoption-get acquainted area.

In addition to the creation of new shelters and adoption centres, the SPCA's core services of cruelty investigation, emergency rescue and treatment, and education programs to promote respect and care for animals will continue as usual in all Lower Mainland communities.

Steven said the SPCA will be working closely with municipal governments, community partners and members of the public to develop the proposed shelters and adoption centres. "We've been encouraged by the passion and the very high expectations that people have expressed about the services they want for animals in their communities," he says. "Our dream is to set the standard for animal welfare across Canada and North America, but we can only do it if people get behind the vision and support it, financially, and with volunteer involvement." He says the SPCA will provide details on the new projects as plans progress."