Thirty years ago, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre began in someone's backyard. Today, it cares for animals across Manitoba, but it's struggling in its current facility - an old abandoned barn.
"It's not conducive to raising wildlife or caring for wildlife," said Roger Perron from the centre.
It isn’t much better for people. The unheated barn is like a freezer in the winter.
Staff members have to use a porta-potty. And until recently, they were preparing their lunches in the same place they prepare the rats and fish for the animals.
"It wasn't the best environment," said Perron.
The centre is located just north of Iles des Chenes, about 10 kilometres south of Winnipeg.
The centre plans to build a new $2.5 million facility.
The 18-acre parcel of land will have a permanent animal hospital, an education centre and a design with its needs in mind.
"It would be nice to have everything in one central area. Nice and warm. It would be a lot more comfortable,” said Tanya Carlson, a volunteer with the centre.
The plan is to make it comfortable enough to allow schools and other groups to finally be able to visit the haven where they will see and learn about the animals the centre saves every day.
"We hope to put some programming together, so that there will be something for people to come and look at,” said Perron.
They still have a long way to go. But they hope to have shovels in the ground by the end of the year.
