The Town of Hanna heard an update from a charity that primarily handles stray cats, and it seems that animal control issue will be around for the foreseeable future. The presentation was made at the Nov. 26 information meeting.

Readers should note information meetings for council typically involve in-depth presentations but rarely include any formal resolutions or decisions.

Councillors heard from Harvest Sky Animal Rescue President Will Warwick; staff provided councillors with a report that noted the Town of Hanna typically grants funds every year to Harvest Sky to assist in handling stray animals, primarily cats. The memo noted since 2009 the grant has ranged in size from $5,000 to $15,000 annually.

Warwick provided councillors with a verbal update on the organization’s activities from May, 2025 to the current day. He noted the charity handled 17 stray or surrendered cats and ended up finding homes for about a dozen of them.

Warwick observed that Harvest Sky’s facility currently isn’t equipped to handle stray or surrendered dogs. He stated the charity has recently received requests to surrender about a dozen dogs and the charity continues working on those issues.

Warwick stated the charity is currently considering a “trap and spay/neuter” program; this would involve the hiring of a contractor who would come to Hanna, trap stray cats and then either spay or neuter them. During discussion it was noted local vets may or may not be involved in this program.

Warwick observed that the charity can’t initiate this program, however; it requires Town of Hanna approval. He noted this program is still in the idea phase and there’s no estimate for how much it might cost.

However, he pointed out the charity would like to conduct a public awareness campaign to gather feedback from Hanna residents on the idea.

Fundraising is a major project for Harvest Sky, noted Warwick. He stated the charity recently held an online auction that raised almost $1,000, held charity BBQs that raised about $1,200 while his own business helped raise about $6,400 for the charity.

During discussion it was noted that Harvest Sky Animal Rescue gets very little to no funding from any other source except for the Town of Hanna and its own fundraising. It was clarified that Special Areas does not fund this group.

The charity president stated that Harvest Sky likes to partner with other groups; recently, seniors from the lodge came down to the charity's facility and visited with the cats being kept there. He noted the seniors really seemed to enjoy themselves and the charity is open to partnering with other groups as well.

Warwick noted that the charity recently made a “wish list” for a new facility and would like to continue working on the idea. He stated that the group would also appreciate any help it could get from people who are knowledgable about such projects.

As councillors discussed a possible new facility, it was noted the charity’s annual operating budget could be about $60,000 per year, or about $5,000 per month.

Coun. Angie Warwick stated that before Harvest Sky existed, issues such as cat control had to be handled by the Town of Hanna and peace officers, costing taxpayers time and money.