Green Ideas

A new facility will relieve the chronic overcrowding that causes so much stress in our existing shelter. A new building can only be built with your help.

Part of the OHS commitment with this project is to create a green facility so we can protect the environment while caring for Ottawa’s animals and serving our community. The team, including all of the engineers on the project, and OHS staff met to brainstorm all of the green elements to be included in the plan. Many pointed out that “green design” is so important now, that it should be considered simply “good design”. Many ideas were put forward, with a focus on those that are low-cost and those that will pay back in reduced costs in the future, particularly those that save energy. Both simple and complex ideas were put on the table — from installation of bike racks to heat recovery systems; from the strategic planting of shade trees to light tubes that capture daylight. The design team at Barry Hobin and Associates have set the goal of allowing enough natural light into the building so that artificial light won’t be required at all during the day!

Naming Reminder

A sprinkler system will prevent a tragedy like last year’s fire in Oshawa that claimed the lives of over 150 animals. Photo by ForeverSouls

Already made your pledge to the campaign? Considering one? Thinking that you can stretch your gift to a higher pledge? Don’t forget that the OHS has announced a number of new naming opportunities in the new building. Trees and benches are among the new opportunities available to leave a lasting legacy for the animals in the new building. Cat cages in holding and dog runs in adoptions are still available as well. One slightly unusual opportunity now offered is to sponsor and name the new facility’s sprinkler system, called “The Gift of Fire Safety” by the OHS. Mindful of the recent tragic fire at the Humane Society of Durham Region in Oshawa, the OHS considers sprinklers an absolute necessity. The donor that chooses to protect the lives of animals this way will be honoured with a special plaque recognizing their commitment in the new facility.

Many donors are choosing to name after beloved pets and in memory of lost relatives. Visit us at www.breakingground.ca to see the new list. If you have already made a pledge, visit the site to see your name or tribute on our new virtual donor wall. If you wish to discuss a pledge or naming opportunity, please call Anna Silverman at 613-725-3166, extension 279.

The Devil is in the Details

A lot of work is going into the details that will ensure the new facility is functional and serves the needs of Ottawa’s animals now and in the future. Decisions like locations for telephones and network connections, lighting systems and drains, and all the other particulars that make up a complex building will be important to consider now in order that the building remains a healthy and functional for years to come. OHS staff are busy researching and compiling this information to pass on to the architects. “It’s amazing just how many details there are in a facility like this,” says OHS Executive Director Bruce Roney, who is coordinating the staff input. “It is important that we get this right, for the sake of future animals.” The OHS is fortunate to be able to draw upon the experience of our colleagues at the Edmonton and Winnipeg Humane Societies which opened new shelters three months and two years ago, respectively.