Belleville, Ontario – Construction on Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward’s Animal Care and Community Education Centre is progressing well and has now entered its final phase, with work being done on electrical and ventilation hook ups and interior finishes.

Construction on the 16,200 ft² building began by TaskForce Engineering Inc. in July 2021. Located at 34 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road in Belleville, Ontario, the new HSHPE Centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the care of dogs, cats and small animals and support their adoption into new forever homes in our region. The Centre’s community education facilities will provide gathering and meeting spaces for the delivery of HSHPE programming, workshops and community events. 

“Our warmest thanks to all who have supported this exciting new building, and to TaskForce Engineering, who have been with us every step of the way and managed to bring this project in on time and budget, despite pandemic challenges to staffing and global supply chains,” commented Marilyn Lawrie, executive director of Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward.

Staff and animals are expected to begin their move-in process in August 2022. Public events are planned for the fall.

Community, corporate and municipal financial support for the new Centre has been generous, with $4.8 million dollars raised to date and $1.2 million still to be raised. The Cities of Belleville and Quinte West have provided $400 thousand and $250 thousand respectively and additionally each municipality has made a $1 million loan available. The project also received $250 thousand from the Province of Ontario, administered through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. 

“It is fabulous to see that we are finally on the threshold of moving animals and caregivers out of their current dilapidated shelter and into this new facility, designed especially to provide the best practices in animal care and adoptions. If you haven’t lent your support yet, now is the time.” stated Greg Sudds, Chair, Capital Campaign. 

To learn more and lend your support, visit ittakesheart.ca or contact the Campaign Manager, J-C D’Amours at 613-813-1917.