New Animal Shelter project moves forward in Uxbridge and Scugog

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

UXBRIDGE: The New Animal Shelter project took another step forward recently with a project manager having been appointed to carry the project through the planning stage.

The matter was discussed at Uxbridge council’s meeting on the morning of Monday, July 8th as part of a report from township clerk, Debbie Leroux.

In her report, Ms. Leroux noted that in April 2024, the staff from Uxbridge sought approval from the General Purpose and Administration Committee to begin the planning phase for a new animal shelter. The goal of this phase is to identify the process, scope, costing, and timelines for the project, paving the way for future Council approval to move forward.

The recommendation proposed that the Township of Uxbridge prepare a job position for a project manager/general contractor to support this planning and costing phase, in collaboration with the Township of Scugog. Upon completion of the planning phase, a report detailing the scope, cost, funding, and affordability will be presented for consideration to move to the next phase: project execution.

A Steering Committee has been established, consisting of three representatives each from Uxbridge and Scugog. The committee developed a comprehensive job description and recently sought expressions of interest for the project manager role. The budget for this phase is capped at $40,000, as noted in the April report.

Applications were received from Independent Project Managers (IPM) and M&M Construction Services Ltd. Interviews were held on June 21st, and the Steering Committee recommended appointing M&M Construction Services Ltd. as the Project Manager for Phase I – Planning Stage of the new animal shelter.

This recommendation was motioned by Ward 3 Councillor Zed Pickering, seconded by Ward 2 Councillor and received unanimous approval from councillors.

“I’m very glad to see this moving forward,” commented Councillor Pickering.

Uxbridge CAO Kristi Honey confirmed that the measure has been approved by Scugog Township and the New Anima Shelter will continue to move forward into the planning stages this fall. This marks a significant step towards realizing the much-needed facility, which aims to better serve the animal welfare needs of the community.