Public Open House Celebration and new building

 Check out the pictures and information below about our new home .... The Chappelle Centre for Animal Care

Front of the new EHS building (Chappelle Centre for Animal Care)

The education department area in the EHS' Chappelle Centre for Animal Care

A "life room"  (above and below)- Animals up for adoption are displayed in rooms that resemble more of a home like setting, instead of being displayed in a cage or kennel which was the case in the old EHS building on Yellowhead Trail & 66 Street.

One of our two beautiful cat chalets (above)

The main entrance inside the Edmonton Humane Society's Chappelle Centre for Animal Care (above)

The back of the building (above) - The back of the building faces 137 Avenue in Edmonton

Building Details:

The Chappelle Centre for Animal Care (named in honour of our largest benefactor, Margaret Chappelle) has replaced the cramped and crumbling 57-year old facility that housed the Society at 66 Street and Yellowhead Trail.  The new building is much more than an animal shelter. The 46 thousand square foot facility provides a calm and enriching environment for its shelter animals waiting for a new home. It is a community learning centre focusing on animal education and provides services to help residents be responsible pet owners so that in the end, hopefully fewer animals will be admitted.  The structure is also a short-term haven for homeless and abused companion animals until the EHS is able to match them into a forever home.

Due to the economic climate in Alberta, the costs for the project had escalated. In order for the facility to move forward as originally envisioned the project cost increased in mid-2008 to $22,500,000. (The building cost alone is estimated at $14,000,000 - with the rest going toward land, architecture fees, furnishings, etc. for inside)  With the support of the provincial government through the Major Community Facilities Program the EHS secured the necessary funding to see the project through to completion.

Continued public support is essential for the EHS to continue to operate. The new facility will impact the annual operating budget. EHS has increased it’s sustainability by adding more revenue generating programs in the new facility. However, more than 40% of EHS’ current operating budget comes from public donations, and the need for donor support will continue to be crucial for the Society.

Public Open House Celebration and new building pictures/information

Smiles, giggles, and tears of joy were in abundance at the Edmonton Humane Society during the weekend.  About 5,000 people came through the majestic doors of the EHS' new home, The Chappelle Centre for Animal Care at 13620 - 163 Street in Edmonton.  It was an opportunity for the public to get a close look at the new state-of-the-art building with "behind the scenes tours" running continuously both days.  Check out this web page that a thrilled visitor posted after taking part!

It was also an opportunity for people to get "up close and personal" with some of our special guests.

Edmonton Oiler and EHS supporter, Zack Stortini was here on the Sunday, signing autographs and posing for pictures.  Zack is staying in town during the off-season and during the summer, you'll see more of him taking part in special EHS events, like "Pets in the Park."  Thanks for all your support, Zack! Check out the Edmonton Oilers Video on Zack Stortini's visit to the EHS.

Local author Marty Chan was here on Saturday for the launch of his new children's book, "True Story" - a story inspired by two cats that Marty adopted from the EHS.  He read the story to a large number of fans a few times during the afternoon and signed copies of his books.  From each book sold, Marty donated $3 to the EHS.  Thank you SO much Marty!

Robert Overbo and Benny looking at the educational poster in the new building that features Benny.

On Saturday, we also had a special reunion visit from "Benny the Dog" and his "forever friend", Robert Overbo.  Robert adopted Benny in July of 2008, after Benny was in our care for 235 days!  Robert says he can't believe that nobody wanted this wonderful dog.  Benny is now our "poster dog" to help educate the public that there is no "ticking clock" for EHS shelter animals.  Once an animal goes up for adoption, it stays available until it finds a home. 

It was also great to see Edmonton Police Chief Mike Boyd and his wife Margo (pictured above with one of our shelter dogs that was up for adoption).  The Boyds adopted a dog from us in 2007.  Thanks for all your support Chief and Mrs. Boyd!

The weekend was full of heart-warming stories of people opening up their hearts to the EHS!  8-year old Lauren Polanski (shown above) recently celebrated her birthday.  Instructions in her party invitations requested that her friends should not bring a present for her, instead that they should bring a present for an EHS shelter dog in need of something special.  Lauren then brought us three boxes of wonderful items for our dogs - collars, leashes, blankets, chew toys, treats and dog food.  Then another generous member of the public threw in a $100 donation when he met Lauren at our open house - thank you to all!  Also, thanks to everyone who donated during the special event, and to everyone who adopted!  We had a total of 76 adoptions between Saturday and Sunday which is great, especially since we usually only see about 30 to 40 animals find their forever homes over a weekend.

Of course, many of our visitors heard all about the event on EZ-Rock, 104.9 FM, the week leading up to the event and during both days.  EZ-Rock broadcasted live from our shelter on both the Saturday and Sunday.  They are valued sponsors of this event - thank you SO much!  Check out the blog of EZ-Rock's morning host, Cheryl Brooks who also dropped by on Sunday.

EZ-Rock's Shauna McKay talks to Oiler Zack Stortini on Sunday.

"Miss Kitty", Lori Solojuk (above) also donated her time to give visitors temporary animal tattoos - with donations going to the EHS - thank you Lori!  Also, special thanks to "Fat Franks" and "Royal Treats" for providing food and refreshments for our visitors.  It truly was a fantastic 2-day event, and people are certainly talking about it!  Check out the message from a well-known social networking blogger, the "Social Networking Safety Geek".