Lisa Bertram of Bertram Construction. Bertram is building the David & Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets and People in Collingwood, Ont. (Photo courtesy of GTHS)
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) has officially broken ground on the David & Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets and People (RCPP), a new facility that will allow the organization to shelter more animals, serve more families in need, and meet the growing demands of the South Georgian Bay community in Ontario.
The groundbreaking celebration was held at the future site of the facility, 135 Sandford Fleming Drive in Collingwood, earlier this month. In addition to marking the start of construction, the event also marked a milestone in the capital campaign. The organization has raised $10.6 million of the project’s $17.6 million goal, but noted that additional donation will be needed to reach the ultimate funding target.
“Today’s groundbreaking is not just the start of a building project, it’s the beginning of a much-needed new chapter for our community,” said Karen Marsh, executive director of GTHS. “Our current facility on Tenth Line is overcrowded and stretched to its limits. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers and partners, we are creating a space that will help thousands more animals and people each year, and we’re excited to build on this momentum as we focus on raising the rest of the funds needed.”
The new David & Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets & People will shelter over 5,500 animals annually, provide more than 6,700 spay and neuter surgeries each year, offer resources for people in crisis, and welcome 30,000 visitors annually to connect pets with loving homes. Part of the RCPP, the animal hospital and wellness centre will be named for Monika Merz, chair of the GTHS Board of Directors, and her husband Michael Miller, who made a significant philanthropic gift to the GTHS
“This centre has always been about heart, compassion and community,” said Merz. “We are proud to support this vital project, knowing it will provide urgent medical care and wellness services to animals and families in need and expand successful programs like spay and neuter, which are so essential to long-term solutions. Our hope is that this hospital will become a cornerstone of compassion for generations to come.”
Designed by Unity Design Studio and being built by Bertram Construction, the GTHS says the RCPP will be a functional, welcoming and sustainable space that reflects the deep bond between animals and people, directly addressing the urgent need caused by the region’s rapid growth, economic pressures leading to increased animal surrenders, and the limitations of the current shelter.
To donate to support the project, visit www.supportgths.ca.
