The opening of the new Wild Rose Humane Society (WRHS) animal shelter in Didsbury is great news for the entire region, says Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter.
Dignitaries and other guests were on hand for the official ribbon cutting at the facility, located at 13 Co-op Road, on Friday.
“This is going to help out our animals in need and our adoptions,” said Hunter. “The bad thing is there is a need for picking up abandoned animals, but the good thing is there is now a place to come to and people who care.
“We congratulate the society on this really impressive facility and we wish you great success in the future and in all your endeavours.”
The shelter has room for 10 dogs and 12 cats. Located in a former vet clinic, the building was purchased by the society in 2016.
Extensive renovations were undertaken before last week’s opening.
The society received a provincial Community Facilities Enhancement Program grant of about $12,500, which covered the cost of most of the renovations.
The society received a $50,000 loan from the Town of Didsbury in 2015 to help with costs.
WRHS volunteer president Dean Orlando commended the many volunteers who helped bring the shelter project to completion after years of work.
“It’s been a long 10 years,” said Orlando. “We started out with a group of volunteers. In March 2007 we were named the Airdrie and District Humane Society. We grew to go beyond the area of Airdrie and we now serve the entire area.
“We are excited. The volunteers have worked really hard the past 18 months, doing renovations and painting and fundraising.”
Animals will be brought to the shelter from across the district, he explained.
“We cover a really large area,” he said. “Airdrie through Innisfail and west to Sundre and east of Highway 2. We are filling a new need for sure. We are filling a need in Central Alberta.”
Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt was also on hand for Friday’s ribbon cutting.
“I want to offer my congratulations and also on behalf of Nathan Cooper, the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills,” said Pitt. “I want to encourage you guys to continue what you are doing and congratulations.”
- with files from Craig Lindsay.
