Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog Councils approve the next phase for the new Animal Shelter

The Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog are pleased to announce they are moving forward to the next phase for the new animal shelter, including construction drawings to meet building permit requirements and finalizing the project cost. Both Uxbridge and Scugog Councils approved the report detailing the recommended scope, approximate cost, and funding during their respective Council Meetings on March 24, 2025.

The new animal shelter will be located at 5500 Lakeridge Road, serving both the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog. In the coming months, the municipalities will produce final construction drawings, issue a tender for construction, and report back to their Councils for the final award and cost of construction, while continuing to explore additional funding sources to assist with the costs of the shelter.

The continuation of this project was made possible through a series of cost-saving initiatives. A major driving force during the planning phase was the challenge set by Mayor Barton and Mayor Wotten, who encouraged the steering committee to explore innovative, cost-effective solutions for a commercial-style build, with insulated concrete forms (ICF) rather than a traditional brick-and-mortar construction, to keep costs within budget.

The proposed agro-industrial style model is expected to be an approach that will significantly lower construction costs for the municipalities. With an estimated budget of $3.8 million, the project remains well below the typical cost of traditional shelters which often exceed $10 million.

This project has been made possible through fundraising from local community group NASUS, private donations and financial commitment from both the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog. All donations made towards the construction of the new animal shelter are held in an interest-bearing reserve. Updates on the project will be available on the municipal websites. Follow both Uxbridge and Scugog social media for project news and information.

"This important project has been a long time coming. When I was first elected as mayor, I committed to making this a reality, and I’m proud to say that we’ve found a path forward. Together, we’ve identified the right shelter for both our community and our furry friends. I want to thank the staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the generosity of the community, whose efforts in raising funds have made this possible. This is a shelter we can all be proud of." – Dave Barton, Mayor of the Township of Uxbridge

“I am excited to announce that we are closer to fulfilling the dream of a new animal shelter for Uxbridge and Scugog. Thank you to our respective councils for approving this project. I wish to express my gratitude to Marlyn Ruth Rennie, whose generous donation spurred us on to get a plan together. Working collaboratively with Mayor Barton, staff from both municipalities, the project manager and architects, we are ready to make this dream a reality. Thank you NASUS for your patience, commitment and all the work that went on before this. This is a good news story for our communities, and I cannot wait to invite you to join us at a groundbreaking ceremony.” – Wilma Wotten, Mayor of the Township of Scugog

NASUS (New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge Scugog), the volunteer group that has raised $701,000 for the new shelter, will continue to receive updates from the steering committee regarding the project. NASUS shares, "We are thrilled about the recent approval from the township councils to move forward with the next steps. We want to thank all our donors and volunteers for their patience and dedication in helping make this shelter a reality. We look forward to having you by our side and the Townships when the groundbreaking takes place! A special thank you to Marlyn Ruth Rennie for her generous donation and lasting legacy, which played a crucial role in making this shelter possible."

Review the full report here.