Taps are finally flowing at Wild ARC

After 15 years of trucking in water several times weekly, over a million litres a year, Wild ARC has finally turned on the city water taps this week!

The BC SPCA wild animal rehabilitation centre has survived to date without an on-site water source capable of supplying water for pools, laundry, dishes, and drinking water for the over 2,000 wild animals it treats annually. The concern of running out of water in busy times, a lack of fire protection, and the cost of water delivery (despite getting a very appreciated discount) were key factors driving the need for the Malloch Road water project.

In 2007, Wild ARC and its neighbours agreed to pursue the project through funding a portion of the line and by applying for federal and provincial infrastructure support. Despite the valiant efforts of the District of Metchosin, these grants were not approved in either 2008 or 2009. Although Wild ARC had raised a portion of its costs through fundraising and in-kind grants from local municipalities - the District of Sooke ($12,000), District of Saanich ($10,000), Town of View Royal ($3,000), Township of Esquimalt ($1000), District of the Highlands ($500) - the estimated $400,000 project could not proceed without the balance of costs. This was a disappointing blow to the project that was supported by so many in the community.

It took the generous gift from a life-long animal lover and resident of Oak Bay that got  the project back on track. In June 2011, Wild ARC was notified of a legacy to the BC SPCA from Gladys Cavanagh, who passed away in fall 2010. As these funds were designated for capital projects, a portion of the funds could be directed to the water line. After discussions with CRD Water and the District of Metchosin in fall 2011, the project was scheduled for construction in early 2012.
 
With amazing work of the CRD Water crews, phase one of the city water line was installed from Rocky Point Road through to the end of Malloch Road in April and May, and the final connection to the Wild ARC building happened just this past week by Martie and crew of Robie’s Contracting. Phase two, which will connect the loop to Liberty Road and remaining neighbours will be completed shortly. In addition to fire protection for all Malloch Road residents, the flowing taps at Wild ARC now mean a significant cost savings and the 15 years of daily water tank checks to ensure an adequate supply for the day are over!

Wild ARC staff, volunteers and no doubt the critters are extremely thankful for all the support over the past years from the District of Metchosin and other supporting municipalities, CRD Water, our neighbours, and our donors for their persistence with getting water to the ARC!

Wild ARC is publically funded and is one of the 39 facilities that make up the non-profit B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In total, the BC SPCA cares for more than 32,000 companion, wild and farm animals annually.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.