Construction begins on Lakehead’s new veterinary education building
Artist rendering of Gakina Awesiinyag | Photo credit: mcCallumSather 2025
Construction is set to begin on Lakehead University’s new animal education facility to support the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph, to help address northern Ontario’s critical veterinarian shortage.
A $12.6-million contract has been awarded to Tom Jones Corporation to build the facility, named Gakina Awesiinyag, meaning “All Animals (Place For)” in Anishinaabemowin.
An Indigenous-led ground blessing ceremony was held on Lakehead’s campus in June 2025, in part to celebrate the visionary philanthropists and funders helping bring this project to life. Construction will begin the week of August 25, 2025, with completion expected in summer 2026.
“Bringing the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program to life has taken years of planning and the dedication of many people,” said Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Lakehead University. “Breaking ground is an incredible milestone, and I expect construction to spark excitement across our campus community as students, faculty, staff, and friends see evidence of Lakehead evolving in new and exciting ways.”
Gakina Awesiinyag will provide modern learning space for students and safe housing for both large and small animals, along with storage for feed, bedding, and supplies. Designed by mcCallumSather, the facility will feature advanced mechanical systems that prioritize animal comfort, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
"The launch of construction on this new facility marks a significant step forward for the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "Our government’s investment of $14.78-million provides support to build education facilities at Lakehead University and the University of Guelph to help more students from Northern Ontario launch rewarding careers in veterinary medicine, safeguarding animal health across the province and strengthening food security."
The next phase of the project includes renovating Lakehead’s ATAC and CASES buildings to support clinical training, student life, and anatomy/pathobiology studies. The competitive RFP process for this work is still underway.
The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program was created to address the shortage of veterinarians in northern Ontario, including rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. This shortage affects both pet owners’ access to care and the region’s growing agri-food sector. To support the program, the Government of Ontario is investing up to $14.78 million, including $4.5-million toward Lakehead’s capital build requirements.
“The agricultural industry is expanding in Northern Ontario, and having well-trained veterinarians is key to sustaining that growth,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This new program will address the needs of the region with a made-in-the-North solution and help further secure our growing northern economy.”
The program’s first Northern Cohort students will begin their studies at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College this September. Beginning in 2027, once Lakehead’s facilities are complete, students will start their studies at Lakehead before completing the program at Guelph. Students will gain hands-on experience with veterinarians in the north and receive training tailored to rural and remote practice.
"The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program will ensure Northern Ontario has the highly qualified veterinarians to keep our pets and livestock healthy,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Our government is proud to support this innovative partnership between Lakehead University and University of Guelph and celebrates the monumental groundbreaking of Lakehead’s new world-class animal education facility where future students will gain the skills they need to support northern businesses, farms and families for generations to come.”