The BC SPCA will be closing the Nelson Adoption Centre, located at 520-C Falls Street, on November 10.
The building that the Adoption Centre occupies is owned by the Kootenay Christian Fellowship, which plans to reclaim the space and expand local food bank services.
In a statement, the BC SPCA said it will not be looking for a new facility in Nelson and will instead pilot a community-based model for programming.
The 12-month pilot will see a community services coordinator hired for the Nelson area, with any animals in need brought to the BC SPCA in Castlegar. The pilot will provide the organization with an opportunity to assess whether it successfully meets the needs of animals and people in Nelson.
Chief Executive Officer Craig Daniell said in a statement that the BC SPCA has seen a steady drop in the number of animals needing shelter over the last 40 years, adding that the Nelson shelter sees about 180 animals annually.
Daniell said the community-based model will be designed specifically for the needs of the Nelson area, adding that the approach has seen success in other parts of the province.
“This approach has successfully served other parts of the province by deepening relationships with local animal-focused organizations, establishing food bank partnerships, and expanding the volunteer program to help community members access BC SPCA services.”
“Over time, we will likely see animal sheltering become a regional service, allowing us to be more efficient and effective in helping those animals who still need shelter, while community services grow locally.”
Programs, including animal protection investigations, outreach services such as the pet food bank, and social change educational programs, will proceed as usual, with Daniell saying they will continue to adapt these services to the needs of the community.
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