“This is great news for animals and animal lovers in B.C.,” said Craig Daniell, Chief Executive Officer of the BC SPCA. “The financial support from the provincial government will help to ensure that companion animals, farm animals and wildlife continue to receive the best possible care at our facilities.”
The Facilities Plan is an eight-year strategy totalling $50.4 million to replace or renovate aging BC SPCA infrastructure in 10 communities across British Columbia – the largest capital plan in the organization’s 120-year history.
The upgrades at SPCA facilities will vary depending on the specific needs of the local community. Projects will include new community animal centres, facilities to house seized farm animals, storefront adoption centres and facilities to promote increased community access to spay/neuter services.
SPCA facilities scheduled to begin to receive improvements through the first phase of the eight-year plan are:
- Central Vancouver Island (Nanaimo)
- Kelowna
- Surrey
Construction on these high-priority projects is expected to begin in 2015, pending approval from the BC SPCA Board of Directors. This contribution will also enable construction or planning for facilities in West Kootenay, Dawson Creek, Vancouver, Prince George and Kamloops to potentially begin in 2015/16.
The facilities scheduled for replacement are between 30 and 55 years old and require capital improvements in order to meet the growing demand for SPCA services and to ensure good care and welfare for abused, homeless, injured and neglected animals in communities across B.C.
The SPCA, a registered charity, will work closely with communities to raise the other funds needed for the Facilities Plan and will continue to work with potential partners to secure the funding needed to complete the eight-year capital plan.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.