Atlantic Veterinary College and UPEI launch phase two of the hospital expansion project

As part of “Good News Week at UPEI,” the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) is excited to announce the launch of Phase 2 of its AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital expansion project.

With generous contributions from many donors and leadership gifts from the Rathlyn Foundation, Dr. Martha Sweeting, and Dr. Rosemary Henderson, Phase 1 was successfully completed in 2023, reaching its $4 million target. The gifts contributed by the Rathlyn Foundation, Dr. Sweeting, and Dr. Henderson, are also supporting Phase 2 of the expansion project, along with other private sector donors. So far $1.1 million of the $6 million goal for the second phase has been raised.

“We are truly grateful for the support of our donors who have made the expansion project possible,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. “Their commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and education is commendable and we are excited to embark on this next phase with them. The impact will be felt throughout the College and the community.”

By late 2024, the University hopes to begin Phase 2 construction for the AVC Teaching Hospital expansion and renovation project, which will further elevate the standard of care and educational opportunities within the hospital. The project will focus on  

• expanding the urgent and emergency care space in the hospital,
• creating 24-hour access to food and veterinary product pickup,
• increasing the number of consultation rooms to address the growing demand for services,
• adjusting access and developing an additional entrance to the MRI unit to accommodate alternate uses, and
• establishing a flexible teaching space for student-centered learning, including a simulation lab.

Phase 1 included the installation of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and other imaging equipment, establishing the AVC as the only veterinary institution offering a full complement of in-house imaging modalities in Atlantic Canada. The MRI has enabled clinical staff to accurately diagnose many medical conditions affecting animals and saving the lives of many over the past year.

“As with Phase 1, the next phase of the hospital expansion campaign will support AVC’s goal in being the gold standard in care for specialty services as well as improve accessibility for clients and patients,” says Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI’s interim president and vice-chancellor. “These exciting developments at the Atlantic Veterinary College are only made possible through our generous donors and supporters.”

With construction set to begin later this year, friends and clients have an opportunity to become involved by donating to the campaign fund. Donors interested in providing a leadership gift may discuss recognition options with Myrtle Jenkins-Smith at 902-626-8551 or mjenkinssmith@upei.ca.

To learn more about this campaign, visit https://projects.upei.ca/avc-hospital-expansion