Town approves two-year lease extension for Upper Credit Humane Society
Organization officials had requested five years but stated any extension 'would be super beneficial'
ERIN – The Town of Erin has once again agreed to extend the lease for the Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) building on Trafalgar Road – this time for an additional two years.
The latest extension was approved by council in a closed session at the end of a March 12 meeting, but not announced by the town until March 17.
The current agreement was set to expire in May 2028 and the decision last week, pending approval by both parties, will extend the lease until 2030.
“We understand the circumstances of the Upper Credit Humane Society and appreciate the commitment both board members and staff have shown to moving forward,” Erin Mayor Michael Dehn stated in a town press release.
He added the municipality "has a long history" with the society and is "optimistic" moving forward, though the goal remains finding the organization a "forever home.”
Town officials say the new agreement, which is dependent on a legal review and market value assessment, also requires UCHS officials to make semi-annual reports to council on progress to find a new location.
'Ample time to prepare'
UCHS had requested a five-year lease extension at the March 12 council meeting.
Last July, Erin officials decided the town would not renew the humane society’s lease past May 2028.
The town stated two and a half years was “ample time to prepare,” and UCHS’ current use of the property did not comply with the its zoning bylaw and official plan.
Located at 5383 Trafalgar Rd., the UCHS building is in an open space recreation zone. The town owns the land and the UCHS owns the building, constructed in 2002.
The initial contract covered a 20-year term, from 2002-21 and the town granted two extensions: a three-year extension from 2021-24 and a four-year extension from 2024-28.
“Let’s work together to shape a compassionate future,” UCHS chair Susan Thomsen told council on March 12.
She acknowledged a five-year lease renewal may not “work with the planning of the town and we understand that,” adding “any lease extension beyond May 2028 would be super beneficial for us.”
Thomsen said UCHS has rescued 4,200 animals in the past 10 years, 95 per cent of them from Erin.
She addressed the most recent lease extension in 2024, approved with the intent the shelter would find an alternative location.
“Although everybody had great intentions and put in a lot of hard work ... that work was not completed,” said Thomsen.
“As the board of directors, we take full responsibility for where we stand today.”
She told council about changes the organization has made in recent years, including a change of leadership, as well as strengthened governance and significant operational improvements.
“Today the organization is more stable, more accountable, and financially stronger then we’ve been in many years,” she said.
Thomsen emphasized the need for long-term stability for the society and suggested the possibility of partial ownership of the land, and/or sharing the space with other public and private businesses or groups.
UCHS vice chair Moe Lalani said the shelter will relocate if it must, but would love to be a permanent Erin feature.
“We talk about the idea of not being here indefinitely,” said Lalani. “We would love to be here indefinitely.”
Thomsen said the organization has approached local developers to see if any property is available, met with service clubs, worked with real estate agents, and is in conversations with other municipalities.
Councillor Bridget Ryan asked how the shelter plans to address “the elephant in the room” – referring to miscommunication spread by negative Facebook posts.
Lalani said to prevent it from happening, “It will come to just, honestly, frequent collaboration.”
Councillor Cathy Aylard applauded the board for its recent statement, which she called “refreshing.”
The statement, issued on March 8, acknowledged the town’s position regarding potential development of the property for broader community amenities, as well as previously granted extensions.
“In my opinion, this was a huge step forward from the past conversations we’ve had ... this courageous step sets the tone for discussions going forward,” said Aylard.
Councillor John Brennan said, “I think we’re all grateful for what you’ve done for the town and for the animals.
“It’s been really special, regardless of how things turn out in the future.”
