The townships of Uxbridge and Scugog have moved to the next phase for the animal shelter, including construction drawings to meet building permit requirements and finalizing the project cost, according to reports from Uxbridge and Scugog councils during their respective council meetings on March 24.
The animal shelter will be located at 5500 Lakeridge Road, serving both the townships, according to a joint statement. In the coming months, the municipalities will produce construction drawings, issue a tender for construction, and report back to their councils for the award and cost of construction, while continuing to explore funding sources to assist with the shelter’s costs.
The statement said the continuation of this project was made possible through a series of initiatives. A key factor during the planning phase was the challenge set by Mayor Barton and Mayor Wotten, who encouraged the steering committee to explore solutions for a commercial build using insulated concrete forms (ICF) rather than brick construction to keep costs within budget.
The proposed agro-industrial style model is expected to lower construction costs for the municipalities. With an estimated budget of $3.8 million, the project remains below the cost of shelters which often exceed $10 million, according to the statement.
This project has been made possible through fundraising from local community group Nasus, private donations, and financial commitments from both the townships. All donations made towards the construction of the animal shelter are held in a reserve, as noted by township officials.
Nasus (New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge Scugog), the volunteer group that raised $701,000 for the new shelter, will continue to receive updates from the steering committee regarding the project.
“We are thrilled about the recent approval from the township councils to move forward with the next steps. We want to thank all our donors and volunteers for their patience and dedication in helping make this shelter a reality,” said a Nasus statement. “We look forward to having you by our side and the townships when the groundbreaking takes place…”
You May Also Wish To Read
K9, Tactical units deployed after senior attacked in robbery
Stolen cards data used to buy $46,000 of lumber, suspect held
Good!