Oro-Medonte cat shelter damaged by fire forced to close
The cat shelter in Oro-Medonte, severely damaged by a recent fire, is being forced to close.
Street Cats Rescue on Shanty Bay Road went up in flames after a garbage truck caught fire on May 26.
The fire spread to a nearby dumpster before reaching the building that houses the cat shelter.
"We are heartbroken to have to announce that we are now looking for a new location for our shelter," Street Cats Rescue wrote in a Facebook post Thursday evening.
"Unfortunately, the damage from the fire is far more extensive than originally thought, and it will be some time before it is all fixed."
After years on Shanty Bay Road, Street Cats Rescue is now looking for a new permanent location.
"It is beyond devastating for us as we've been in that wonderful location for approx. 15 years," the post read.
"It has been a sanctuary for not only cats but for our volunteers too. We are trying to be positive and hope that we can find another place quickly and make it just as special."
According to the post, Street Cats Rescue is looking for at least 2,000 square feet with an overhead door, a bathroom, and a small kitchen anywhere in the Barrie area.
"We are incredibly grateful for the amazing support we have received already from this community and beyond," the post read.
"We again ask for your help in sharing this post and getting the word out. Time is of the essence. Help us get back to providing a haven for wayward kitties as we have done for so many years."
Volunteers rescued 30 of 56 animals on the day of the fire. Eventually, all the cats were accounted for, with some taken to the veterinarian suffering smoke inhalation.
Street Cats Rescue is a non-profit organization staffed solely by volunteers.
Complete information on donating to help the Rescue Cats Shelter is available on its Facebook page.
-with files from CTV's Kim Phillips
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.