ERIN – The Town of Erin and the Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) are at an impasse.
On July 11, the Town of Erin released a statement explaining it will not be renewing the humane society’s lease past May 2028.
The town stated it believes two and a half years is “ample time to prepare,” and UCHS’ “current use of the property does not comply with the town’s zoning bylaw and official plan policies.”
Located at 5383 Trafalgar Road, the UCHS building sits on an open space recreation zone (OS1).
Town officials did not detail what bylaws or policies are being broken, but noted they have “informed UCHS of the necessary steps to bring the property into compliance.”
This is not the first time the humane society has explored relocating.
The Advertiser previously reported the UCHS has been looking to relocate since its initial long-term lease expired in 2021.
The town provided lease extensions to allow the UCHS more time to find a new home.
But it appears the town and the UCHS are at odds when it comes to plans for the future.
In an email acquired by the Advertiser, CAO Rob Adams stated the town wants to “maximize the property’s value and ensure the best return possible for taxpayers.”
UCHS board chair Susan Thomsen is hoping not to move.
She said that in 2024, the UCHS made a plan to develop the location into a “community hub,” including an expanded shelter, animal control services, educational programming, public trails, a visitor information centre, and a fenced dog park.
Thomsen said she “felt very disappointed that [the town] had never even officially … looked at what our proposal was for the property.”
Now, that plan will be lost, as the town forces the move.
Town officials say they have offered to support the UCHS “through a relocation to a more suitable, better location.”
However, Thomsen said she remains optimistic, noting the UCHS “would love to work with the town towards making this an amazing place.”
Adams and Mayor Michael Dehn did not respond to Advertiser requests for an interview.
