The city is considering donating land so the SPCA shelter can expand.

The SPCA animal shelter needs to more than double its size to properly serve Campbell River.

“The current BC SPCA-Campbell River facility is almost 30 years old and is too small for the animal needs of the community,” said Robert Busch, general manager of operations for the BC SPCA’s provincial office, in a letter to the city. “Last year this facility admitted over 1,600 animals, making it the ninth-busiest shelter in the province.

“The current building lacks proper ventilation, has no meeting room for training, does not have a private room for counseling new adopters, has no room for rabbits/rodents, no animal examination/treatment room, no private office for the manager, and simply does not meet the current needs of the community.”

The SPCA is currently fundraising to build a $2 million, 6,500 square-foot facility.

“A capital campaign is underway to raise these funds, with the initial emphasis on major donors,” Busch said.

Both the SPCA and the city agree the SPCA’s current location, just off Merecroft Road behind the police station, is the best place for a new building.

“The preference would be to build on their current site, where there should be adequate space,” said city facilities manager Dave Morris in a report to council. “By providing the land, the city will be helping to meet the SPCA needs for a new shelter without having to commit financial resources.”

Last night, council considered donating the existing site to the SPCA at no cost, leaving the society to raise the capital costs to construct a new facility.