Alberta has opened a new veterinary training centre at the University of Calgary’s Spyhill campus, doubling the province’s capacity to train veterinarians.

The province invested $68.5 million in the Veterinary Learning Commons, which includes new classroom, wellness and gathering spaces for students. The facility will allow the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to expand from 50 to 100 student seats each year, beginning this fall.

“This expansion marks a significant milestone for Alberta,” said Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall. “The grand opening of the new Veterinary Learning Commons will create more opportunities for Albertans to study veterinary medicine right here in Alberta, providing a high-quality and accessible learning experience for our future veterinarians.”

The government said the investment will help address a shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in rural communities where producers often face challenges accessing care for livestock.

“More vets, especially in rural Alberta, will mean better support for producers and improved care for livestock across the province,” said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson.

Since 2005, the University of Calgary has trained veterinarians for work in animal health and research. The new building is intended to strengthen that role, with a community-based practicum model that connects students directly with rural practices.

Ed McCauley, the university’s president, said the expansion will ensure Alberta can meet its growing need for animal health professionals. “We have the capacity to train twice as many new veterinarians each year – professionals who will ensure the welfare of domestic animals, along with Alberta’s animal production industry and public health.”

Renate Weller, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said the facility is part of a wider effort to update curriculum, strengthen mental health supports and address attrition in the profession.

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association called the opening an “exciting milestone” for veterinary medicine in the province.

Alberta leads the country in cattle numbers, ranks second in sheep and lamb production, and accounts for more than 11 per cent of Canada’s pig herd.