Ontario is providing $2 million to help build Gakina Awesiinyag, Lakehead University’s new large-animal teaching centre in Thunder Bay.
The funding, delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will pay for barns and clinical space to treat cows, horses and sheep.
On Tuesday, a ground-blessing ceremony marked the start of construction on Gakina Awesiinyag, Anishinaabemowin for “All Animals (Place For),” which is scheduled to open in 2027.
The centre will anchor Lakehead’s Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, offered in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College.
It will admit its first northern cohort in fall 2025; that group will begin studies on Lakehead’s campus in Thunder Bay in 2027.
Students will gain hands-on experience diagnosing and treating large animals, helping to ease chronic veterinary shortages in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
This facility will train veterinarians to serve farms and remote communities in the North,” Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, said.
George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, noted the project supports the province’s goal of a stronger, more self-reliant North.
Dr. Gillian Siddall, Lakehead’s president and vice-chancellor, noted that the $2 million comes on top of a $14.78 million provincial commitment.
At the same time, a philanthropic campaign is 95 per cent of the way to its $12.9 million goal to equip the centre.
A public fundraising drive this fall will cover the final funds needed to fully outfit Gakina Awesiinyag.
Recent NOHFC changes will help Northern Ontario respond to economic pressures such as U.S. tariffs and workforce challenges.
Future funding will emphasize innovation, job creation and sustainable growth.
