North Peace SPCA reopens doors to public at new location

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The North Peace SPCA has reopened its doors to the public at its new location at 10503 89th Avenue in Fort St. John after being unable to provide in-person services for two years.

The local organization’s former facility was closed in 2022 because it was deemed unsafe for use. Having found a new location in the fall of 2023, construction issues had delayed its opening.

Community members can access the new location by appointment only for now.

Jamey Blair, SPCA senior manager of animal care services for the B.C. interior and north, says there are still a few final touches needed at the new facility. 

“There are still some ongoing construction needs at the new location,” said Blair. “Our lobby and cat adoption rooms are ready to go, but we aren’t set up to house dogs quite yet.”

Blair says with the temporary setbacks regarding the new location, including construction delays, the SPCA is eager to welcome back the public.

“We are so grateful to our community partners whose support meant we could continue offering services to the North Peace community,” said Blair.  We searched for the unique building space needed to provide the best possible environment for the animals in our care.”  

The SPCA says its goal is to create a space that promotes strong animal welfare. n meeting that goal, the new space will eventually feature an indoor exercise area for dogs that is crucial to protect the dogs from potential inclement weather.

The second construction phase in the back of the building will feature both the exercise space and a dog kennelling area.

Construction should be completed by the end of summer 2024.

Despite not having a facility open to the public in 2023, the North Peace SPCA supported the animal welfare needs of the community by taking more than 550 animals into care, reuniting 120 stray animals with their loving families, finding new homes for 127 animals, responding to 236 calls for their animal protection services team, and providing emergency boarding support to 14 animals in need.