The Kitchener Stray Cat Rescue is currently on the hunt for a new home. The reason being that their current building, situated on 332 Charles St. E., is soon to morph into a vast 27-story high-rise apartment, incorporating 32 affordable housing units. Though this venture still awaits approval from the Region of Waterloo, it has received a nod in its favour from the City of Kitchener Council during a recent Monday meet.
The aristocratic architects behind this grand design is Vive Developments, who expressed their eagerness to get things underway. “We’ve already retained our design team, subject to today’s meeting, we’ll go full tilt. So, this time next year, we’ll be in the ground,” said Stephen Litt of Vive Developments on the fateful Monday.
At such a crucial stage, a lingering concern is that of the 53 feline inhabitants currently residing in the care of the rescue. According to the rescue’s officials, they are unable to welcome additional strays until a new home is secured.
Founder of the Kitchener Stray Cat Rescue, Tammy Tanner, strongly stated, “Right now we cannot take in any more until we figure out what we’re going to do. We need to find a place now.”
The rescue operates solely with the goodwill of volunteers, subsisting on kind contributions from the public. For over three years, it has provided refuge to strays. Tanner acknowledged the development buzz that always floated around their building but was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
“I knew at some point there was going to be a development here, as per our contract, but finding out like this, through social media, was a blow,” admitted Tanner.
The rescue had initially faced a gnawing challenge to receive proper zoning for their operations. If history repeats itself, this hurdle could be daunting.
“We need multiple rooms to keep the cats healthy and to properly socialize them before they’re adopted. So, having no building for the public to meet these types of cats will make rescuing them extremely difficult,” shared Kathryn Quirk, the adoption coordinator.
The City of Kitchener, responding to the development talks, stated in an email, “It’s the city’s understanding that the landlord has been conversing with the tenant at the property. As part of the city’s notification process, a sign has been attached to the building with the proposed development details.”
Despite the uncertainties, Tanner affirms that the rescue will continue to encourage adoptions, and simultaneously seek out more foster homes for their furry companions.
