By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
Raising $1.5 million.
It may seem like an
impossible goal to achieve
but those involved with the
Humane Society of Durham
Region are determined to
reach it.
After a devastating fire
that claimed the lives of
about 200 animals in
December 2008, and completely
destroyed the building,
the Humane Society
has been operating out of a
temporary location, making
things difficult at times.
But things may soon be
looking up for both the
employees and the animals.
The Humane Society has
purchased a piece of land
on the southeast corner of
Wentworth Street and
William Smith Drive off of
Taunton Road in Whitby. It
is forecasted to be the future
spot of their permanent
shelter, dubbed “Phoenix
Rising.”
They took possession of
the 2.15-acre parcel of land
on Canada Day (July 1).
Although the site is large, there are easements
along the south and east
side that cannot be built
upon. That area will be
made into a spot where
shelter dogs can run and
play, states the society.
But creating a new shelter
to house abused, neglected
and unwanted animals
does come with a
hefty price tag. And the
Humane Society of Durham
Region is funded entirely
by fundraising, donations,
memberships and
bequeaths. They receive no
government assistance.
To date, the society has
had to pay to have the land
initially rezoned, a site plan
drawn up by an architect
which cost
$3,209, and
an environmental
assessment
carried
out with a
cost of $3,570
to determine
the quality of
the land. They
also had to
purchase the
land at a cost
of $420,000.
So far the
shelter has
spent more
than $450,000
in an effort to
rebuild their home.
Those purchases have
been possible because of
investments the Humane
Society had and because of
donations from companies
and people.
Currently they are hosting
a fundraiser where people
or companies can purchase
a brick, which will be
used in the new shelter once
construction begins for.
These bricks costs $100.
They need to raise $1.5
million in order for any of
the construction to begin.
Costs like development
charges and construction
materials are the reasoning
behind that large sum of
money required.
The society is hoping
companies and people will
donate building supplies
and materials to cut back on
cost.
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