Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon) | university, veterinary clinic / surgery

 university, veterinary clinic / surgery

Attempts to establish a College of Veterinary Medicine were hampered first by the Depression, and then by the higher priorities of a medical school, an arts building and an adequate library. Public sentiment in the four western provinces seemed continually in advance of provincial coffers until 1963, when an agreement was made between the provinces to share operating costs and – a key element – with the federal government to help fund capital costs. The first classes were held in 1965.

Capital construction took somewhat longer and, because the federal government’s contribution was contingent on classes beginning right away, and Interim Housing Unit had to be constructed first. An underground stream washed away a considerable portion of the first pilings that were poured, and a six-week delay ensued as a new contractor had to be found. The location of the J.S. Fulton Laboratory had been overlooked, but would have been too costly to move and initially, there was no desire to demolish it. As a consequence, road access to the second-floor ramp and main entrance were re-routed around it.

The new building included an enclosed herbarium, library, and what was considered the best lecture hall on campus in addition to the requisite laboratories, large and small animal care facilities, classrooms and offices. The design won an award for the architect, Gordon Arnott of the firm Izumi, Arnott, Sugiyama.

Constructed between 1966-1969, the original building was officially opened on 2 July 1969. The building had been designed with future expansion in mind, and additions were added in 1981 and 1988, respectively.

The Veterinary Hygiene Building, one of the first campus structures, had been used until the opening of the new College. To the dismay of many, it was demolished in June 1969.