On Monday, September 29, representatives from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society – Cornwall & Regional Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic (SPCA-CR) asked North Glengarry council for $20,000 to support the construction of a new centre at 2151 Second Street West in Cornwall. Council deferred the request until the 2026 budget discussions.
SPCA East Regional Manager for Community Outreach Bonnie Bishop informed council that animal intake had doubled since 2024, rising from 223 to a projected 454 animals by the end of 2025. She emphasized that operations at 550 Boundary Road in Cornwall have faced rising demand, often exceeding current capacity.
“For basic veterinary services, we’ve experienced a 184 per cent increase in requests. We’ve also seen a 23 per cent rise in cats, 25 per cent in dogs, and a 31 per cent increase in rehoming requests,” Bishop said.
Bishop said North Glengarry is struggling with the overpopulation of stray, abandoned, or surrendered animals, along with insufficient short-term kennel space for dogs.
Bishop said that the Ontario SPCA has delivered more than 80,000 pounds of food to families in its service region. She also emphasized that the centre launched its Neuter-Scooter Program, which travels to high-volume neuter clinics and offers affordable spay-neuter services.
The discussion turned to the state of the current centre, highlighting that there are “serious and unresolvable issues preventing staff from ensuring proper care. The centre does not meet current needs and will not meet the predicted increase in community demands.”
The building also lacks critical features, including quarantine spaces, easily sanitized outdoor runs, and sound-controlled areas.
Council was informed that the SPCA-CR Board decided to build a new centre, rather than refurbishing the Boundary Road location. The new centre, planned to be built across from the soccer fields on Second Street West in Cornwall, will be three times larger, with a capacity increase of 185 per cent for cats and 70 per cent for dogs.
Bishop said the new 6,600-square-foot building would feature a larger veterinary area and is expected to open in early 2027.
SPCA-CR Development Officer Rob Hunter said the project will cost $8 million, with $4 million already raised through SPCA philanthropic funds.
“To raise the remaining $4 million, we are approaching municipal councils for support to ensure the region is prepared for the growing demand,” Hunter said.
The $20,000 request could be paid in five annual installments of $4,000.
Council said the request will be reviewed during 2026 budget preparations, with a final decision to follow.
