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Shelter boss hired by fall

The Red Deer and District SPCA aims to find a new boss by late September.A search for an executive director is underway after Monte Greenshields retired last month.

The Red Deer and District SPCA aims to find a new boss by late September.

A search for an executive director is underway after Monte Greenshields retired last month.

Acting executive director Julie Crawford said advertising began last week. She was appointed by the board on July 31 to oversee the animal shelter that is in the midst of its $4.2-million building project.

She said the change at the helm hasn’t affected the build.

“I’ve been involved with the SPCA for over 40 years,” says Crawford, the program director for the animal shelter.

The SPCA anticipates the 12,300-square-foot building will be finished in January.

It is being constructed west of the current quarters at 4505 77th St.

The bigger centre will double the capacity for homeless pets and provide more educational programming so more animals will have a chance to find a loving home.

The City of Red Deer has offered up to $1 million to the SPCA should it need the money.

The SPCA hasn’t yet used the money, but recently asked for changes to the loan term, which was granted by city council on Monday.

The term is now 25 years instead of five years, and the SPCA would receive an interest rate of 5.058 per cent.

“It’s real positive for us,” Crawford said. “We plan on using some of the money. We want to complete the building so it’s functional in January.”

Crawford said about $800,000 still needs to be raised for the project.

ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com