The Project

Our beloved home on Tenth Line in Collingwood has served us well, but it’s clear that we are outgrowing our space. With our community expanding rapidly, the need to provide exceptional care for pets and people is growing too. We are at a tipping point and cannot keep up with the demand in our current facility. That’s why we are excited to announce our plans for a new Regional Centre for Pets and People. This new space will be designed with your needs in mind, ensuring we deliver care effectively, efficiently, and sustainably. It’s not just about meeting today’s standards but creating a future-ready facility that reflects our community values and the latest in animal care design.

We are not just building another animal shelter, we are creating a groundbreaking Regional Centre for Pets and People. This innovative space will blend an animal shelter, adoption hub, educational facility, and community center into one vibrant destination. It’s designed to be a place where everyone can explore and celebrate the special bond we share with our pets.

With advancements in science and a deeper understanding of the vital role animals play in our lives, we are setting a new standard in animal facility design. Just like Humane Societies in Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Edmonton have embraced this evolution, our Regional Centre for Pets and People will reflect the latest in design and care.

This new center will be a model of efficiency and compassion, combining the health standards of a top-notch hospital, the educational spirit of a school, and the welcoming atmosphere of a community gathering spot. It will be the ultimate destination for adopting pets, learning about them, and celebrating the incredible impact they have on our lives. Join us as we build a place where every visit enriches our community and our connection with animals.

The Regional Centre for Pets and People will be a sanctuary for homeless pets and a hub of community connection. It will feature safe, welcoming spaces where pets can find refuge, including meet-and-greet rooms designed to make adoptions a joyful experience. Our home-like habitats will provide comfort for both dogs and cats, while our community room will be available for public use after hours, fostering a sense of togetherness.

In addition to a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital dedicated to both animal care and supporting financially disadvantaged pet owners, the Regional Centre for Pets and People will include green spaces for relaxation and play, a training centre, and grooming facilities. This innovative space will be a true reflection of our commitment to compassionate care and community engagement.

Animal welfare standards are evolving, and so are we at the GTHS. The Regional Centre for Pets and People is redefining the traditional approach to animal care, prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of pets and the people who support them. 

Just like us, animals thrive in environments filled with fresh air, sunlight, and open, peaceful spaces. That is why our new Regional Centre for Pets and People will feature:

  • A contemporary design featuring accessible spaces for pets and people of all abilities, ensuring inclusivity for everyone. 
  • Spaces thoughtfully organized with advanced biosecurity measures, sound control, and odor management to create a healthier environment. 
  • Warm, home-like habitats replacing traditional cages, offering comfort for both dogs and cats.
  • A community room that encourages learning and connection, with areas available for public use after hours.
  • Engaging educational experiences for all ages.
  • A spacious, state-of-the-art veterinary clinic designed to accommodate up to three full-time veterinarians, ensuring pets receive timely and essential care. 
  • Dedicated spaces for animal enrichment and volunteer activities.
  • Indoor spaces for canine play, training, and grooming, all designed to support the well-being of pets in our care. 
  • Beautifully landscaped dog parks, both large and small, where pets and people can enjoy the outdoors.

Our Regional Centre for Pets and People is designed to be a place of comfort and connection, where every detail reflects our commitment to the well-being of animals and the community.

The Regional Centre for Pets and People will be a lively and inclusive community hub that promotes learning, supports well-being, and fosters humane values. Our expanded space will enable the GTHS to offer a wide range of programs, currently constrained by our existing facility, that aim to educate, inspire, and connect people of all ages, including: 

  • Youth programs that foster the human-animal bond, which includes our Pet Sitters Course for Kids, Junior Volunteers in Training, Vets of Tomorrow, and more. 
  • Literacy programs such as GTHS Reading Buddies, where kids read to shelter animals, benefiting both the child and the pet. 
  • Social and recreational events for seniors, creating joyful connections with shelter pets. 
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces available to the public for hosting events, whether it’s a meeting, sports gathering, cultural celebration, or corporate function. 
  • A dedicated enrichment and training center for dogs, featuring indoor play areas, grooming facilities, and a focus on positive, reward-based training techniques. 
  • An inviting destination for everyone to explore, engage with animals, and deepen their appreciation for the human-animal bond. 

This new Centre will enable us to do so much more, making a profound and lasting impact on our community.

Designing a space with animal health and welfare as the focal point transforms the experience for everyone involved – from the animals receiving care to the dedicated staff and volunteers, and the community at large. The new Regional Centre for Pets and People will set a new standard in compassionate animal care by adhering to the latest best practices in animal welfare. Highlights of the new Centre include: 

  • Open, clean, and home-like habitats that promote comfort and reduce stress for animals. 
  • Expanded veterinary services specifically tailored to address the needs of vulnerable pets. 
  • An inviting, easily accessible facility that encourages pet adoption. 
  • Access to outdoor spaces for fresh air, exercise, sunlight, and social interaction. 
  • Cutting-edge cleaning and waste management systems to maintain a healthy environment. 
  • Public transit and bike access, enhancing volunteer engagement and support for animal welfare. 
  • Dedicated areas for in-house behavior assessment and rehabilitation to help pets thrive. 

This new Centre is designed to make a profound difference, ensuring the best care for our animals and creating a positive impact on our community. 

In the past, animal shelters often provided a place to simply house animals, but our new approach reflects a significant shift towards humane, proactive care. At the GTHS, we utilize the “Capacity for Care” model – a best practice shelter management strategy that ensures we balance the number of animals with our available resources. This system allows us to better meet each animal’s needs, shorten their stay, and improve their chances for successful outcomes. 

The Regional Centre for Pets and People is designed with a different purpose in mind. Rather than simply accommodating more animals, our focus is on reducing the overall number of animals in crisis. We aim to streamline the flow of animals through our care, ensuring each one receives the attention they need without necessitating additional holding spaces. Our goal is to enhance animal welfare and effectively address community needs by fostering positive outcomes and minimizing the number of animals in distress. 

The Regional Centre for Pets and People has been thoughtfully designed by Unity Design Studio, Inc., in collaboration with Tatham Engineering and Basterfield & Associates Landscape Architects. Together, we are creating a space that reflects our commitment to animal welfare and community engagement.

The Regional Centre for Pets and People will be located at 135 Sandford Fleming Drive, Collingwood, ON. The current planning timeline anticipates opening of the facility to occur in 2027.

The Regional Centre for Pets and People will span approximately 19,000+ square feet, more than three times the size of our current facility, situated on 5 acres of land. This expansive space will advance exercise and recreation and provide easy access from transit and bike routes.

The GTHS will not provide veterinary services to the public, however, we will continue our existing provision of subsidized services to financially disadvantaged pet owners.

Recent innovations in animal care design focus on creating environments that foster mutual well-being for both animals and people. Our new facility is crafted to merge advanced biosecurity measures, engaging educational features, and a lively community atmosphere. 

Visitors will be invited to explore a range of interactive programs, while the facility itself will include: 

  • State-of-the-art odor control and acoustic management to ensure a pleasant environment both inside and out. 
  • Spaces designed with functionality and warmth, reflecting our commitment to the comfort and health of animals and people alike. 

This approach ensures that our facility is not just a place of care but a community-centered destination where learning and interaction thrive. 

The GTHS will continue to be open throughout the construction of its new facility.

The total cost of the project, encompassing land, design, construction, equipment, and campaign expenses, is $17.7 million.

For the past 25 years, the Georgian Triangle Humane Society has been dedicated to creating a better environment for our furry friends. The Regional Centre for Pets and People represents the next significant step in advancing our level of care. This ambitious project is supported by a diverse and collaborative network of contributors:

Donors: We are deeply grateful for the generous contributions from individuals passionate about animal welfare and the human-animal bond. Their support is crucial in helping us reach our financial goals.

Community Members: Local residents have shown tremendous support by hosting fundraising events and participating in donation drives. Their enthusiasm reflects the strong community spirit that drives our mission.

Volunteers: Our dedicated volunteers have given their time and energy and have played a key role in fundraising through various community activities. Their commitment is truly inspiring.

Board Members: Our board members have made significant personal contributions and leveraged their networks to gather additional support, reinforcing their dedication to our cause.

Staff: Our staff members have actively participated in fundraising efforts and generously contributed from their own resources, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to our mission.

Corporate Partners: We are excited to partner with several corporations that are providing both financial support and in-kind donations. Their involvement not only enhances our fundraising efforts but also highlights their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Government: We’ve received valuable support from local government through collaborations on Animal Control Services, municipal capital investments, and grants that align with our goals for improving animal welfare.

Reserve Funds: In addition to these sources, we are utilizing reserve funds accumulated from our services. These funds, prudently saved, are now playing a vital role in bringing our new Regional Centre for Pets and People to life.

Together, these combined efforts showcase a robust and united commitment to enhancing our shelter facilities. We are profoundly grateful for the support from all these groups and individuals, which is making this project a reality.

Supporting The Project

You can make an online donation here. For more information about transformational gifts or naming opportunities within the building, please feel free to contact Erin Tuckey, Campaign Manager at support@gths.ca.

Charitable tax receipts for Campaign donations will be issued in February of the following year. However, immediate receipts are available upon request or for online gifts. For those who make monthly contributions to the Campaign, a cumulative tax receipt will be provided at the end of the year.

Yes, if you’re interested in contributing your time or skills to support the Campaign, please reach out to Erin Tuckey, Campaign Manager here.

You can view how much money has been raised towards our goal here.

All donations, estate gifts, and other financial contributions to the capital campaign are promptly recorded and tracked within the Georgian Triangle Humane Society’s Donor Management database. These funds are securely held in a separate account or invested until they are needed to support the costs of constructing the new Regional Centre for Pets and People. 

General

You can visit gths.ca for more information