The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) now rising in Charlotte- town is entering 1986 with con- struction of its facilities at the University of Prince Edward Island on schedule and in budget. Since the sod-turning ceremonies of May 4, 1984, an impressive

AVC nears completion

structure has risen on what was once a soccer field. The large, brick-faced building with its slop- ing roofs is the result of a 36.5 (1983 dollars) capital cost-sharing agreement between the federal government and the Atlantic pro- vinces. Ottawa is assuming half

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the cost of construction, while New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are sharing the rest of the expenditure.

1986 also represents a new be- ginning for the AVC with its first academic year beginning in

ee

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September and a class of about 50 undergraduate students arriving for courses. The majority of places will be reserved for Atlantic students.

Dr. Reg Thomson, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, feels that now is a good time to mark the work alredy completed and look forward to future progress.

“This facility will be of tre- mendous benefit to Atlantic agri- culture and Canadian veterinary practice. The presence of a world class institution here will mean that students no longer have to leave the area to complete their education. The Atlantic Veteri- nary College will serve as an imporiant resource, keeping skilled persons in the area and brit. sng others in. Economic bene- fit, will extend throughout the entire region.””

The activities of the school will include a strong research pro- gram as well as its teaching and service functions. A long-

standing shortage of veterinarians

involved in ‘ch was one of

the major reasons for the esta

blishment of the AVC, Canada’s

fourth veterinary college This shortage has meant that Canada has had to import veterinarians over the last three decades. The work of the AVC will help to correct this deficit

Research into disease is gaining

increasing importance among efforts to maintain the health of

‘ivestock and wild animals. Illness imong arimal -opulations is also

ko > Deve direct effect on

PROGRAMA MKTONAL OFS RAB

stew,

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humans. There are economic as well as public health concerns to the studies done at the College. Disease prevention will save farmers a substantial amount of

money

The innovative nature of much of the work to be done at the AVC can be seen in the creation of a Fish Health Laboratory. Aquaculture is expanding globally and here in the Atlantic provinces. The College intends to contribute its part to this field.

The AVC building is designed to fill all of the many demands placed on it. Sixty percent of its space is devoted to hospital and animal functions. A ring road will connect two large, barn-like structures opening onto outdoor entry, exercise, and holding areas. The remaining forty percent of space is between the animal units and will house computer and

audio-visual centres, _ faculty

offices, and research diagnostic laboratories. The use of “double hip’’ and ‘‘shed’’ style roofs will echo farm architecture. Warm red

bricks and landscap ill give an

appearance to. the ¢

keeping with U.P.E.1.’s historic campus. All that remains to be done to

sections needed by the first ye

class is equipment installation and

ng. Additions for

her classes ntinue to be made until 1989.

As students, faculty and

animals take their places, Canada

and the Atlantic provine

take pride in having a fi

institution.

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