Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River SPCA attended the Town of Peace River council meeting on Dec. 9 to discuss issues surrounding the demolition of a Town-owned structure, formerly the SPCA building.
“The SPCA Society’s presentation to council indicated that the society has hired a company to demolish the old building as the society moves forward with its plans for a new building,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“The Town had leased the old building to the SPCA and also the Town owns the lots the old SPCA occupied,” she adds.
Manzer notes the Town has donated two lots to the society on the condition that a new building is being built, but the Town still owns the lots until the new building is erected.
“The Town values the work of the SPCA for the Town and region and when the SPCA indicated they were planning to build a new building and also indicated the present location best suited their needs, the Town supported their initiative,” she says.
SPCA has sought multiple quotes for the demolition of the structure, with the lowest big being $62,355.
Unfortunately, during the process, they also learned they’d have to move the power line as it is currently in the middle of the lot, making a significant difference on what could be constructed on the site. The cost of moving the power is over $60,000 and was not an anticipated expense for the society.
SPCA asked for financial assistance from the Town for the demolition of the current building as a result of the unanticipated expense.
“In order to move the project forward, the Town will donate $62,355 for the demolition,” notes Manzer.
“Without the removal of the power line, the new building could not be reoriented to move the outside kennels to the back of the property away from the street and parking lot and would have had to be in a similar location to the present building which was not ideal for the operations and the neighbourhood.”
Manzer says the SPCA’s presentation noted their plans are done and the SPCA plans to hold a capital fundraising campaign in the new year to help with construction that is anticipated to begin in 2025.
“The SPCA deals with animals from the M.D. of Peace, County of Northern Lights, Northern Sunrise County, and M.D. of Smoky as well as the Town of Peace River,” Manzer says of the importance of the SPCA.
“Council recognizes the service provided to the town and area and feels that service needs to be maintained. Funding the demolition moves this project forward more quickly and adds to the town’s amenities.”