08/10/2021
NASUS released this letter this morning.
For those who may not be aware, NASUS stands for New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge Scugog. They are a registered charity that worked with local residents and organizations to raise funds for the new shelter. They have already contributed over $700k to the project.
This morning we sent this letter to the Townships of Uxbridge & Scugog.
Full letter attached below for your convenience.
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To the Mayors and Councils of the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog,
On September 19, 2018, mayoral candidate Barton told a community meeting he would ensure a new animal shelter would be built for the residents of Uxbridge and Scugog.
Three years later, the shelter is not built. The project’s donors, volunteers, and sponsors have no visibility into its status, and the strategy to complete the build. In response to a letter from a frustrated donor, Mayor Barton stated on June 7, 2021 that he would have an update in 60 days. That, too, has not happened.
From 2011 to 2019, the New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge-Scugog (NASUS) organization contributed over $700,000 to the construction of a new facility to replace the ageing, inadequate shelter on Reach Street. This was well in excess of the organization’s fundraising commitment of $570,000.
These after-tax dollars from the community were given in good faith to Uxbridge Township to manage the construction of the new shelter. On the eve of the ground-breaking, the contractor hired by the Township demanded more money and new conditions. We understand there is litigation in this matter, but have seen no update on that, nor on the status of the sizeable deposit still in the hands of the contractor.
In the two years since, this project has ground to a halt, communication with Mayor Barton, members of both Councils and Township staff has been sparse. A meeting in June of 2020 promised ongoing updates, but nothing further has been shared. Indeed, the last public update was our AGM in November of 2019.
On behalf of our donors and volunteers, we respectfully and immediately request the following information:
• What is the current status of the project?
• Where is the money NASUS gave to the Township of Uxbridge, and how has its value been protected?
• Why has Mayor Barton refused to respond to multiple requests from NASUS for an update meeting?
• Why are some members of council posting vague hints about a “major announcement” on social media, while ignoring requests from the community for information?
• What has the Township done to recover the funds given to the contractor who abandoned the project?
• What is the strategy to complete this project?
We are aware that the culvert project and the pandemic created more urgent challenges, and we have been patient; however, we have an obligation to the hundreds of local donors and volunteers who continue to support this initiative to let them know what is going on. With respect, we suggest both Mayors and the members of both Councils share that obligation.
We look forward to your prompt and detailed reply.
Respectfully,
Board of Directors,
New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge Scugog
