From Ground-breaking to Life-Changing
By Kayla van Zon | Photography by Danielle White
Artist renderings courtesy of GTHS
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society Builds Toward a Brighter Future
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) has officially broken ground on the David & Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets and People (RCPP)—a transformative new facility designed to meet the urgent and growing needs of pets, families, and the wider South Georgian Bay community.
For years, the GTHS Animal Centre on Tenth Line has been stretched to its limits. Overcrowded kennels, overbooked surgeries, and an ever-increasing demand for programs and services have underscored a reality many in the community already know: the need has outgrown the space.
On September 18, 2025, the GTHS celebrated not only the start of construction on its long-awaited new home, but also a milestone achievement of $10.6 million raised toward its $17.6 million campaign goal. This extraordinary progress reflects the generosity of donors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in the vision of a community where pets are safe, families are supported, and the human–animal bond is celebrated.
Yet, as GTHS leaders made clear at the groundbreaking ceremony, the work is not done. Community support remains critical to complete the project and bring the vision to life.
More Than a Shelter
The new David & Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets & People is not simply a replacement for the current building—it’s a bold reimagining of what a humane society can and should be. Designed by Unity Design Studio and built by Bertram Construction, the centre will be a functional, welcoming, and sustainable hub that reflects the deep bond between animals and people.
Once complete, the facility will dramatically expand GTHS’s capacity:
• Over 5,500 animals sheltered annually, providing safety, nutrition, and rehabilitation to pets in need.
• More than 6,700 spay and neuter surgeries each year, preventing suffering and reducing overpopulation across the region.
• Support for 2,200+ people in crisis, offering stability and resources during their most difficult moments.
• Engagement of more than 6,000 youth annually through hands-on, compassionate learning programmes that build empathy and responsibility.
• 30,000 annual visitors welcomed, ensuring pets find loving homes faster than ever before.
• 600 volunteers and 50 staff supported with the space and resources to provide the highest standards of care.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics,” explains Karen Marsh, Executive Director of GTHS. “They represent real animals, real families, and real stories of transformation. The new centre will allow us to do more than ever before—to meet people where theyare, to provide urgent care, and to ensure no pet is left behind.”
A Community of Compassion
At the heart of this project is a community united by compassion.Among the many generous contributions, a significant philanthropic gift from Monika Merz and her husband, Michael T. Miller, has named the Animal Hospital & Wellness Centre within the RCPP.
“This centre has always been about heart, compassion, and community,” says Merz, who also serves as Chair of the GTHS Board of Directors. “We are proud to support this vital project, knowing it will provide urgent medical care and expand programs like spay and neuter, which are essential to long-term solutions. Our hope is that this hospital will become a cornerstone of compassion for generations to come.”
Their gift is one of many that have propelled the campaign to its current $10.6 million total. But with $7 million still to raise, GTHS is calling on individuals, families, and businesses across the region to step forward.
Why Now Matters
South Georgian Bay is one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario. With population growth comes increased pressure on families, more economic challenges, and, inevitably, more pets in need of care.
The current GTHS Animal Centre was never designed to meet today’s demand. It is consistently at or over capacity, with limited space for animals, staff, and volunteers. Essential programmes such as affordable spay/neuter services, humane education, and crisis support are in high demand—but constrained by infrastructure.
The new Regional Centre for Pets & People is designed to directly address these issues. It will be a hub for animal welfare and human wellness, ensuring pets are not only sheltered but given the chance to thrive, and families in crisis are not left without support.
“This is more than four walls and a roof,” says Marsh. “This is about building hope, stability, and a better future for pets and people alike.”
How You Can Help
The groundbreaking is just the beginning. To complete construction and open the doors of the new centre, GTHS needs the continued support of its community. Every gift—large or small—makes a difference.
Donors can make their contributions online at supportgths.ca, or by connecting directly with the fundraising team. E
For those interested in major gifts, legacy giving, or community partnerships, please contact:
Kayla van Zon, Fundraising Consultant, kvanzon@interkom.ca
Erin Tuckey, Campaign Manager, erin.tuckey@gths.ca
