New Southwest Coast SPCA animal shelter to be built on Minnesota Drive

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — FRANK GALE
THE WESTERN STAR

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — Ted White believes the Southwest Coast SPCA now has the ideal location for a new animal shelter.
Originally located behind the Stephenville Town Hall, the group obtained a larger piece of property on Minnesota Drive, between the College of the North Atlantic campus and the Acadian Village Retirement Living building.
White, president of the Southwest Coast SPCA, suggests the new location will provide more visibility, helping the group out with fundraising. It has more suitable ground conditions for construction, and the opportunity for expansion. The SPCA is also considering the creation of a dog park in the future.
Kim Blanchard, SPCA fundraising director, said the location is ideal for another very important reason.
Since it has been proven that animal interactions increase endorphins and help with pain relief and stress, she said the Southwest Coast SPCA can work toward implementing pet therapy sessions for residents of the Acadian Village and students attending the college.
Blanchard said being located directly across from Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital also has advantages, as the group may also be able to implement patient therapy days.
Tom O’Brien, who just took on the role as building committee chairman, couldn’t say when construction would start on the new facility. A meeting will be held Sept. 18 and will give the group a better indication for a start date. Construction will begin this fall.
The new animal shelter is just shy of 2,000 square feet and it is hoped local businesses will provide support during its construction.
White said with the public’s continued support and the hard work of SPCA volunteers, it will soon be able to reach its long-awaited goal.

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