The Happy Cat Adoption Centre held its grand opening over the weekend.
Dozens made it out to the centre in downtown Strathmore on Saturday (Sept. 21) for the ceremony, which included Mayor Pat Fule cutting the ceremonial ribbon alongside councillors Melissa Langmaid and Denise Peterson.
"Without the support of the town residents, the town council, our wonderful volunteers, and our other supporters who live as far away as Ontario, we would not be able to do any of this without everyone who helps us," said Barb Stefanich, cofounder of Happy Cat Sanctuary Society of Alberta. "We are so honoured to have this beautiful building to call our home."
The new location gives the sanctuary retail space to raise money for the cats as well as adoption rooms and more space for people to visit.
The festivities also featured pet photography, a door prize draw, and snacks for people to enjoy as they took a tour of the new adoption centre.
Councillor Peterson said that the Town of Strathmore has supported the sanctuary for years.
"I was around in the mid-1990s when the town was looking for a solution to a serious feral cat problem," said Peterson. "So, they wound up doing something where people who struggled with feral cats could rent a trap so they could trap cats, and it created immense havoc in the community."
According to Peterson, it caused issues between neighbours and the town tried to address the problem before the Happy Cat Sanctuary arrived in town.
"I am incredibly grateful for them for what they've accomplished. They are saving our taxpayers huge amounts of money, time, and grief. In addition, they're offering the community other added value benefits," added Peterson. "For instance, young people can volunteer here, and my grandchildren have taken advantage of that."
The Happy Cat Sanctuary started 24 years ago.