Our Building
Nestled in the heart of the Bow Valley, visitors will find the home of the Bow Valley SPCA, the Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre, conveniently located off Elk Run Boulevard in Canmore, Alberta.
Our 2.2 acres of provincially leased land has panoramic mountain views, natural green-space and easy visitor access. The building is 3,500 sq. feet and was designed with the surrounding community in mind.
The Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre
Named for the generous donation from Frank Sojonky for his wife, Carla Cumming Sojonky, The Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre (CCSAC) is no ordinary animal adoption Centre.
The Bow Valley SPCA has been fortunate to call the CCSAC home for 16 years, since 2007.
Some of the features that make this building a pioneer in progressive design for animal adoption facilities are:
No-kill, no-cage
Adequate space and equipment is available to care for animals over the long-term. Small cages, short dog runs and cramped quarters common in shelters are replaced
at the Bow Valley SPCA with “dog cabins” and “cat chalets”, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a more people and animal friendly environment.
With 2.2 acres of land enclosed by a secure fence, our dogs have plenty of room to run and play.
Behaviour improvement strategies for dogs
Reduced barking and aggression as our dog's visual access to corridors is de-emphasized and in-room stimulation is increased through a home like environment.
Three of our dog cabins have enclosed outdoor runs, which allow our canine residents to get outside air at any time and have extra space to run and play safely!
Behaviour improvement strategies for cats
Reduced stress is attainted through co-housing and play structures, which provide socialization, stimulation, and compatibility, as well as allow cats to find their own "place" and offer security.
Outdoor catios have been added onto two of our six cat chalets. Completely enclosed, these spaces give cats extra room to play, fresh air and some sun to bask in!
Air & Lighting
Our ventilation systems allow 100% fresh, outside air to be distributed throughout animal spaces.
With natural lighting, provided by large windows, our dogs and cats have a better sense of day and night. With a southern orientation and sun/shade elements, daylight is incorporated in all spaces, all year round.
Energy Efficiency
The Centre is close to 60% more efficient than code, and uses passive heating and cooling techniques. Natural ventilation is used as much as possible by incorporating these techniques into the HVAC systems.
Our Healthy Home Commitment
To you, our orphaned animals and our planet:
The Bow Valley SPCA is proud of our Adoption Centre design that respects and adheres to best green and animal friendly practices. Thanks to the volunteer leadership, management and construction by Robert Mitchell Masterhomes, our Centre adopts technologies, products and practices that ensures healthy indoor air quality, greater energy efficiency, reduced overall GHG emissions, reduced water usage, preservation of our natural resources, reduced animal stress, noise, light and chemical pollution, and improved durability and maintenance. We have built a home that respects the health and well-being of dogs/cats, but also people and our environment.
Our Fiscal Commitment
To you, our donors and our community:
We greatly appreciate the hundreds of hours and in-kind materials Robert Mitchell Masterhomes and so many others provided including everything from recycled timber donations to time spent securing energy cost savings and materials. As a charity, fiscal prudence is essential and it is the volunteers and donors, who believe in treading lightly while at the same time minimizing costs, that helped us lead the way in this innovative no-kill, no-cage Adoption Centre design.