BRISBANE – After operating out of the same small building on Trafalgar Road here since 2002, the Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) has to move.
Serving Erin, Halton, Hills and Acton by taking in and relocating vulnerable animals – everything from cats to chinchillas – the humane society’s long-term lease with the town of Erin expired at the end of 2021.
“They were so, so helpful,” said Lisa Pietras, chair of the UCHS Board of Directors, of the reaction of town officials when the humane society voiced its concerns about the imminent move.
The lease was first extended into 2022 to accommodate the UCHS, becoming a month-to-month agreement, with a six month notice.
Pietras recalls being concerned that six months would not be enough time to relocate.
The lease has now been extended as far as October 2024 if needed, but the humane society is not waiting for the lease to be up and is actively searching for a new home.
“If something presents itself we’re not going to wait until October 2024, we’re going to move,” said Pietras.
“It’s really just been very gracious of the town of Erin to allow us to stay there. We don’t want to overstay our welcome.”
Pietras speculated about moving into a large shed or barn on a farm property – ideally an existing structure that could be expanded.
The current UCHS space is smaller, with rooms at times housing 16 cats. In a new location the society could space things out more.
Despite being ready for the change, there are obstacles standing in the society’s way.
Lisa Pietras, chair of the Board of Directors at the Upper Credit Humane Society, in one of the organization’s cat rooms. Photo by Olivia Rumbell
“We need the funding… we’re not-for-profit so we can’t go out and get a mortgage, we have no collateral, we have no assets,” Pietras explained.
“So unless we have someone that co-signs for us or something like that … we won’t be able to buy anything. So that’s we why have to raise the money.”
Pietras said she’s unaware of the town’s plans for the property, but she understands why the UCHS has to relocate.
“We’re in kind of a unique little area here,” she said of the land, adding she estimates the property has a high value.
“This is an opportunity for us to relocate and grow. We want the shelter to grow … we under-serve this community, not by choice, but by funds and by our limitation on how many animals we can possibly have in here.”
The shelter gets around 20 cats brought in each month, or over 200 per year, estimated Pietras.
Despite the high volume of animals Pietras doesn’t think moving will be too much of a hassle.
“We have a lot of carriers,” she joked.
Erin Mayor Allan Alls said the town was pleased to help by extending the UCHS’ lease into 2024.
“It’s not easy to find what they’re looking for, and we have no interest in throwing them out on the street by any means. Hopefully … we can find a location that they’re looking for,” he said.
Alls added plans for the humane society land are not confirmed.
“I guess the next council will have to make some decisions on that,” he said.
“But it is located at what is becoming an increasingly commercial area, so I suspect they’ll have to do rezoning and come up with another use for that corner.”
For more information or to provide donations, visit uppercredit.com.
Donations can be made through PayPal or Canada Helps. E-transfers can be sent to chair@uppercredit.com, with a note indicating the donation is for the “Relocation Fund”.
To discuss possible land or building sites, contact Pietras directly at chair@uppercredit.com.
