Arnprior Humane Society buoyed by community support after flooding

After the Arnprior District Humane Society was damaged from flooding, there has been an outpouring of community support. CTV’s Dylan Dyson reports.

The Arnprior and District Humane Society says it is overwhelmed by the response of the community this week after spring flooding damaged its building.

“It’s been phenomenal and it just makes us so lucky to be in this community,” said AHS vice-president Jan Smith. “They’re so generous, so kind.”

On Sunday night, ground water flooded into the shelter on Didak Drive in Arnprior, pooling up to ankle depth on the building’s east side. It forced the shelter to tear out walls, insulation and flooring, with an estimated $30,000 in damages.

But in less than a week, the Arnprior community has rallied around its local shelter.

Contractor Chris Vezina, who specializes in painting and finishing, has offered his services free of charge to help fix up the shelter.

“I just love animals. Every time that I go and meet with clients’ animals, it’s just morale boost for the day,” Vezina told CTV News.

“I just knew I needed to help. Anything helps, really, and the insurance wasn’t covering it.”

In downtown Arnprior, The Cupboard restaurant is hosting its second of two fundraising events Saturday for the Humane Society.

“Tonight, we have Silas coming in, so it’s going to be definitely bigger,” said restaurant manager Ben Sardari, on the night’s musical act.

“I care about the people, community,” he says on his reasons for contributing to the shelter’s cause.

“I feel I know a lot of people and love everybody.”

Many other Arnprior businesses have chipped in with monetary donations as well, helping the online fundraiser exceed $26,000 in less than a week.

“Our absolute top hope was that we’d make maybe $10,000, and we’ve surpassed that,” said Smith.

The work for the shelter is far from over. This weekend’s forecast is calling for freezing rain Sunday, followed by warm, melting temperatures Monday.

Smith says the shelter is on alert and has sump pumps primed for any water that may come this weekend.

“Some of our cats are still renting from the dog room at the moment because they can’t be out in their own area,” she said.

“We’re waiting for a few things to dry a little bit more before the walls go back up.”