The ground blessing celebrated a wave of support for the project, recognizing the generosity of community partners, individual donors, and government funders.
Today's (June 24) ground blessing ceremony marks more than the beginning of construction it symbolizes hope. In regions where farmers struggle to find veterinary care for their livestock and families drive hours to treat their pets, the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College provides a lasting solution to a critical need.
Building on the Government of Ontario's previously announced investment of $14.78 million of which $4.5 million will support Lakehead's capital build requirements with the remaining amount going to the University of Guelph today, the Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness on behalf of the Hon. George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, announced an additional $2 million from the The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support Lakehead's delivery of the program.
The event also welcomed supporters from across the province whose generous contributions have been vital to launching this much-needed program. Separate from government funding, Lakehead set a philanthropic fundraising goal of $12.9 million, and thanks to major gifts from individual donors, 95% of that goal has already been achieved. The final 5% will be raised through a public, community-driven campaign launching this fall, welcoming donations of all sizes to help bring veterinary care to northern Ontario.
"The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program signifies something profoundly personal to northern communities it's about fairness, access, and addressing a critical issue," said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President & Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. "We heard loud and clear from the north that more veterinarians should be trained where services are needed. Thanks to the Ontario Government, our partners, donors, and supporters, we're answering that call not with a temporary solution, but with a legacy that will serve generations of people and animals across northern Ontario."
A ground blessing ceremony led by Elder Gene Nowegejick and attended by university leadership, donors, and government partners on Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus signalled the ceremonial start of construction for a new animal education facility that will open in 2027. The event celebrated the newly confirmed Indigenous name for the future facility: Gakina Awesiinyag, from the Anishinaabemowin language, translating to All Animals (Place For).
The event emphasized the innovative vision behind the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program: to train and retain veterinarians who understand and serve rural, remote, and northern communities' unique needs. The new animal education facility, as designed by mcCallumSather, will feature large and small animal housing and clinical skills training space. Renovations to existing buildings will include combined anatomy/pathology and clinical skills labs, and other relevant training spaces.
"This milestone reflects a groundswell of support," said Michael den Haan, Vice-President, University Advancement at Lakehead University. "Today, we celebrate and acknowledge the many philanthropic supporters, government funders, and community partners who have come together with a shared belief in this innovative solution to the complex challenge of veterinary access in northern Ontario. Their collective generosity is what makes this program possible. It's more than funding it's a statement of confidence in Lakehead University, and the power of education to transform animal care and agriculture across northern Ontario."
The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program will admit its first students in fall 2025, with the initial northern cohorts completing their studies at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. Starting in 2027, the northern cohort will begin the program in Thunder Bay and complete the program in Guelph. This regionally distributed model will ensure that veterinary education is embedded in northern communities from day one.
Quotes:
Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Government of Ontario
"Once completed, the animal education facility at Lakehead University will serve as a key hub to train future veterinarians serving northern Ontario," said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "By investing in this program, our government is helping address vet shortages across rural and remote communities while keeping the northern agri-food industry strong."
Hon. George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, Government of Ontario
"Lakehead University's new program is a crucial step in expanding access to veterinary services in our northern communities," said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. "This investment will bring more veterinary jobs close to home for Northerners and expand essential support for our agricultural producers."
Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Government of Ontario
"Veterinarians are paramount to the success of Ontario businesses' and families' wellbeing, and today marks a new milestone in building the veterinary workforce of tomorrow. This critical investment will ensure that students in Lakehead University's Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, gain the hands-on skills they need to thrive as veterinarians and meet the need for excellent animal care in Ontario's north."
Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP - Thunder Bay-Atikokan, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, Government of Ontario
"This groundbreaking project marks a transformative investment in the future of northern Ontario. By bringing veterinary education closer to home, we're addressing critical gaps in care for livestock, pets, and wildlife needs that are essential to both our agricultural sector and the overall well-being of our communities," said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay - Atikokan. "I'm proud that our government is supporting this first-of-its-kind program at Lakehead University, which will train skilled veterinarians and help strengthen the fabric of our rural and northern communities for generations to come."
Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, Dean, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
"Every animal in Ontario deserves timely and accessible veterinary care," said Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, Dean of the Ontario Veterinary College. "Through U of G's partnership with Lakehead, we're responding to the urgent need for northern veterinary services by preparing the next generation of skilled veterinarians. This fall, we're proud to welcome the first cohort of northern students into OVC's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program future leaders who will help transform veterinary care across the province's rural, Indigenous, and agricultural communities."
Doug Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
"The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is proud to support this vital step forward for veterinary medicine in northern Ontario through this meaningful partnership with Lakehead University and our shared commitment to animal health and well-being," said Doug Brooks, President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. "By working together to help train more veterinarians, we're investing in healthier communities, improved animal welfare, and greater access to care for animals and the people who love them."
The Tamblyn Family Foundation
"The Tamblyn Family Foundation is proud to support the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program at Lakehead University. This innovative partnership with the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph expands access to veterinary education in northern Ontario and supports the development of skilled veterinarians who will serve communities across the region and beyond."
Quick Facts:
- Program Launch: Fall 2025 (at University of Guelph), Fall 2027 (at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay)
- Annual Seats: 20 students from northern Ontario
- Philanthropic Fundraising Goal: $12.9 million raised through individual donors/major gifts (separate from government funding)
- Raised to Date: 95% of the philanthropic fundraising goal has been achieved through major gifts from individual donors
- Remaining Fundraising Goal: A public, community-driven campaign will launch this fall, welcoming donations of all sizes to complete the campaign
- Project Features: Animal education facility, anatomy/clinical labs, culturally responsive learning spaces
