Animal Fortris

A housing system for multiple animals.

IDPS is dedicated to protecting deer and wildlife in and around Invermere. But there are far more animals that need help than those who call Invermere home. In February 2012 IDPS filed a lawsuit against the District of Invermere to question their wildlife management practices and pursued them to look at non-lethal options for managing the districts deer population. As you know lawsuits dont come easy or free of cost. IDPS is working to raise enough funds by January 2013 so that we can continue our legal efforts. Our aim is to raise $10,000 with this custom built shelter called the 'Animal Fortris'

Artist's rendition of the Animal Fortris

This state of the art modern building designed and built by Devin Kazakoff is equipped with everything to be a fully functional off grid unit for multiple animals. Perfect for cats, dogs, rabbits or just about anyone that relative size. The solar panels and small wind turbine provide electricity for the in-floor heating, ac systems and LED lighting in almost any climate, along with deep cycle batteries to store the renewable energy. The efficient industrial design will stand up to the brutal Canadian winters and sun beaten summers for at least a half century if treated nicely. The building is roughly 90 sq feet with windows all around, swinging doors make 4 small private quarters or 3 equal sized rooms in case of disagreements among residents. A loft and top deck is perfect for high flying cats. Building materials are selected for maximum life span and cleanabilty. The exterior is completely covered with 100% waterproof 60mil vinyl so the building can sit anywhere without the need to be raised off the ground. Inside the floor is smooth tile with thermal mass for radiant heat and can be easily disinfected after any incident, walls are a wood based sheeting that will last as long as the building itself. Highly slippery, dense and resistant to claws and teeth, along with 4 standard household outlets just in case someone requires electricity. The roof is drywalled and painted with 0 voc paint and 4 LED recessed light bulbs. and is also equipped with 3 double pane windows with one of them openable for fresh air.

The Animal Fortris is coming along very nicely. 2 weeks from construction startup and all of the walls are framed.

The windows are larger than origionaly expected, the back window is a whopping 6 feet by 3.5 feet and positioned for animals to have panoramic views from the Fortris floor

Large window

Fortris from above

Arched doorway

The floor is in the process of being insulated and the underside is being wrapped in vinyl for waterproofing.

Underside of the Fortris before insulation

Most of the wood was donated by Rona in Invermere, Charles Lamphier and Dave Wing of DWM services also provided some much needed lumber amongst other things. I was able to get some anti-burn insulation along with vapour barrier and sealant out of a dumpster at a construction site! Removing waste from the landfill and using it to help animals is a win win!

Donated materials

All the walls are framed and the roof of the main floor is on. The bottom is insulated to R28 and wrapped in vinyl for waterproofing.

Framing done!

The height of the Fortris is now 8 feet tall. Total height at completion with loft should come in at 14 feet tall. and the top of the wind turbine sitting at 25 feet above ground.

Eight feet up and 6 to go!

IDPS is asking animal rescue organizations to fill out an application to be the recipient of this building. This is not a contest but simply a way of helping animals by selecting the rescue that is in need of this most. Rescues must be no kill and also not exploit one species in the process of rescuing another. Eg: hosting meat BBQ fundraisers is a no no.

Help IDPS get to our target amount so we can deliver this to a shelter in need and continue protecting animals in Invermere BC. Once $10,000 is raised and the building is completed, a rescue shelter will be selected and Devin will personally deliver the Animal Fortris.

For more updates, see indigogo site.