The City of Airdrie says it has purchased a building at 2 East Lake Way and will begin rolling out a new animal care service model, including a municipal pound and non-profit-operated shelter, later this year.
In a May 21 news release, the City said Municipal Enforcement will operate the pound. Dog intake is expected to begin in mid-2025, with cats to follow later in the year.
A non-profit organization will be contracted to run the shelter and oversee adoptions. The City is targeting mid-2026 for full shelter operations.
"We are thrilled to introduce this hybrid model, which leverages the expertise of both the City and our non-profit partners to provide the best possible care for animals in need," said Brad Tomlinson, team leader of Municipal Enforcement, in the May 21 release. "This initiative reflects our commitment to service, sustainability, and community collaboration."
"Our research has indicated that most municipalities have some type of shelter or pound run out of a city-owned building, which provides them with long-term stability even if the circumstances of local service providers change," said Tomlinson. "In the absence of a local humane society, this option was determined to be the best way forward for Airdrie."
The City says it will issue an invitational competition to several qualified non-profit animal shelter service providers to operate the facility.
"We’re taking a staged approach to rolling out this new model to ensure the right systems and staffing are in place to meet the long-term needs of our city," Tomlinson said.
In a separate February 6 news release, the City confirmed it would not renew its contract with Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre (APARC), which expired March 31. The City said the decision was part of a plan to develop "a sustainable service model that best meets the needs of Airdrie residents."
"As we transition to a new provider for this service, our priority will be ensuring that all animals that come into our care are well looked after and provided for," Tomlinson said in the February 6 release.
He added, "We greatly appreciate all the efforts and value APARC has brought to our community by providing this important service for our residents. We’ve been happy to work collaboratively with them throughout this process."
Until the new pound and shelter are operational, dogs picked up by Municipal Enforcement will be housed at a local non-public-facing animal care facility. Stray cats can be brought to the Tails to Tell Animal Shelter in Crossfield (listed as "Tales to Tell" in the City’s May 21 news release) during its regular hours.
Airdrie residents who find stray animals can contact Municipal Enforcement’s 24-hour complaint line at 403-948-8888.
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