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Atlantic Veterinary College Opens $20 Million Research Complex
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The Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island officially opened its state-of-the-art $20 million Research Complex on Friday, June 20. Within the 57,000 square foot (5,300 square meters) research facility, researchers from the Atlantic Veterinary College will further health and wellness research related to both animals and humans.
"This Government knows investments in science and innovation are critical to the long-term prosperity of all Canadians,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The Atlantic Veterinary College Research Complex will bring new opportunities for traditional industries such as agriculture and fisheries, as well as for the emerging sectors of food technology and bioscience. This will create jobs right here on the island and the work accomplished at the Complex will establish Prince Edward Island as a clear leader in the field of research and development.”
The development of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s new research facility is part of an overall $45 million infrastructure project driven by a dramatic increase in demand for the College’s research and service expertise. Approximately $18 million in infrastructure funding was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Additional funding for the Atlantic Veterinary College’s infrastructure project was provided by the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and private partners.
Research carried out by the Atlantic Veterinary College provides critical contributions to many sectors including agriculture, food safety, public health, aquaculture and aquatic health, companion animals, animal welfare, and population health.
"I am confident that the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, and the entire province will reap significant rewards from this important investment," said the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "This Research Complex will not only provide new opportunities for research and innovation in a variety of fields important to our local economy, it will serve to enhance the well-established reputation of the AVC and attract more students to the province. Our government is pleased to be a partner in this exciting expansion.”
The new research facility will house a number of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s specialized research centres including the Atlantic Centre for Bioactive Valuation, the Atlantic Centre for Comparative Biomedical Research, and the Atlantic Veterinary College’s Lobster Science Centre. The research complex will provide an additional 12,000 square feet (1,100 square meters) of research labs and space for an additional 30 graduate students. It will also include a Specific Pathogen Free holding facility–a $3 million research space built to the specifications of a Level 3 containment facility.
“Today’s opening propels the Atlantic Veterinary College and the entire Atlantic region forward in our ability to contribute to advances in animal health, human health, and comparative biomedical research,” said Dr. Tim Ogilvie, Dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. “We have the talent and the expertise to make significant contributions to society. We applaud our partners in recognizing our enormous potential and investing in the infrastructure needed to support our commitment to discovery and innovation.”
The Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI is committed to excellence and innovation in education, research, and professional services. The college is known around the world for its outstanding educational programs, aggressive research agenda, and being home to more than a dozen specialized research centres that range from veterinary epidemiological research to aquatic health. The Atlantic Veterinary College's Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only full service referral hospital in Atlantic Canada.
"This Government knows investments in science and innovation are critical to the long-term prosperity of all Canadians,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The Atlantic Veterinary College Research Complex will bring new opportunities for traditional industries such as agriculture and fisheries, as well as for the emerging sectors of food technology and bioscience. This will create jobs right here on the island and the work accomplished at the Complex will establish Prince Edward Island as a clear leader in the field of research and development.”
The development of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s new research facility is part of an overall $45 million infrastructure project driven by a dramatic increase in demand for the College’s research and service expertise. Approximately $18 million in infrastructure funding was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Additional funding for the Atlantic Veterinary College’s infrastructure project was provided by the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and private partners.
Research carried out by the Atlantic Veterinary College provides critical contributions to many sectors including agriculture, food safety, public health, aquaculture and aquatic health, companion animals, animal welfare, and population health.
"I am confident that the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, and the entire province will reap significant rewards from this important investment," said the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "This Research Complex will not only provide new opportunities for research and innovation in a variety of fields important to our local economy, it will serve to enhance the well-established reputation of the AVC and attract more students to the province. Our government is pleased to be a partner in this exciting expansion.”
The new research facility will house a number of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s specialized research centres including the Atlantic Centre for Bioactive Valuation, the Atlantic Centre for Comparative Biomedical Research, and the Atlantic Veterinary College’s Lobster Science Centre. The research complex will provide an additional 12,000 square feet (1,100 square meters) of research labs and space for an additional 30 graduate students. It will also include a Specific Pathogen Free holding facility–a $3 million research space built to the specifications of a Level 3 containment facility.
“Today’s opening propels the Atlantic Veterinary College and the entire Atlantic region forward in our ability to contribute to advances in animal health, human health, and comparative biomedical research,” said Dr. Tim Ogilvie, Dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. “We have the talent and the expertise to make significant contributions to society. We applaud our partners in recognizing our enormous potential and investing in the infrastructure needed to support our commitment to discovery and innovation.”
The Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI is committed to excellence and innovation in education, research, and professional services. The college is known around the world for its outstanding educational programs, aggressive research agenda, and being home to more than a dozen specialized research centres that range from veterinary epidemiological research to aquatic health. The Atlantic Veterinary College's Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only full service referral hospital in Atlantic Canada.
Contact
Charlotte McCardle
External Relations, Atlantic Veterinary College
