UCHS eyes two properties for eventual relocation in 2030

ERIN – The Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) is considering two properties for its eventual relocation after its current lease with the Town of Erin runs out.

The UCHS currently leases 5383 Trafalgar Rd. N. in Erin and received a two-year lease extension in March. 

The extension will allow the society to remain where it is until 2030. 

“We found two different locations already,” said UCHS vice chair Moe Lalani. “And this has given us some opportunity to take a look at either a position or location in Erin or a location in Halton Hills.”

He added, “Both of those opportunities are really good for us.” 

Lalani shared the news during a presentation to Erin council on Sept. 24, which outlined plans for relocation and the future of the UCHS and also included an update on shelter operations.

“If we look at the fiscal year of 2026, we’re already more than double the number of adoptions that we were in 2025,” said UCHS chair Susan Thomsen.

“Not only does that mean that animals are moving through the shelter more quickly, but that we’re getting the animals into loving homes more easily.” 

UCHS has also brought on four new members of its board of directors:

• Sue Giplin, director of people and culture;
• Alisa Ward, director of strategic partnerships;
• Travis Forbes, executive director; and
• Nancy Lotecki, director of performance and growth.

“For the first time ever, Upper Credit Humane Society now has an executive director,” said Thomsen. “The board of directors has appointed Travis Forbes.”

Aside from governance changes and future plans, Thomsen told council that despite the lease being extended six months ago, the society has yet to receive an updated lease agreement. 

“On Aug. 25 we were advised that town staff has received a new agreement from the town lawyers and that the agreement would be shared with us within a few days,” said Thomsen. 

“As of Sept. 16, we have not yet received that information.”

The Advertiser confirmed that as of Sept. 28, UCHS has still not received an updated agreement. 

The society is also asking the town for a copy of the property appraisal commissioned by the town and conducted in June. 

“We understand that the town commissioned an appraisal by Derek Gould. When Derek visited the shelter in June as part of the appraisal process, we were surprised that he had not been informed that the UCHS owns the shelter building,” said Thomsen.

“Subsequently, Derek advised us that the process was taking longer than anticipated and had grown into a very substantial document – over 200 pages.”

She added, “For an organization trying to plan its future, that information is very important to us.”

Councillor Cathy Aylard said, “I continue to be impressed about how you’re moving forward. And I know it’s not easy, especially [as a] non profit.”

Aylard also assured Thomsen and Lalani that the appraisal document would be with them shortly. 

“We’re close to getting that document,” she said.