Animal shelter support, poll, ‘The Hip’ donate to cancer

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Chatham-Kent council put their unanimous support behind funding a new animal shelter in Chatham-Kent.

Chatham Coun. Derek Robertson entered the successful motion to provide $500,000 towards the $1.5M-$2M project.

The cash will be forwarded to the project through capital investments in the amount of $250,000 in each of the 2017 and 2018 budgets.

“It is imperative to recognize the great work of the committee to date in raising committed funds within our community,” Robertson said in his motion.

“It is duly important to recognize that Chatham-Kent’s overbearing need is met by our committed investment in such a critical community asset.”

Council agreed and voted 18-0 in favour of the motion, much to the delight of the new animal shelter committee.

“Thank you Derek Robertson and council… your support for the new animal shelter sets the stage for a community and municipal partnership to work together for a shelter need that has been talked about for years,” said Marjorie Crew, co-chair of the shelter fundraising committee, on social media.

“Together we will make this happen.”

Council approved the creation of their committee in late 2014.

The new animal shelter location will be located on Park St. and 405 Park Ave E. in Chatham.

The plan is for the facility to feature:

– 18 dog kennels with covered runs

– 3 isolation kennels

– 3 cat rooms including screened outdoor cat runs

– 1 cat isolation room

– 1 small animal room

– 1 multi-purpose room

– 1 veterinary and treatment room

– Animal bathing and grooming room