Conestoga College has recently completed a major interior transformation at its Doon Campus, unveiling a new state-of-the-art Animal Care ATS Building designed to support the next generation of veterinary and animal care professionals.

Housed within a former electrical trades facility, the 30,677 sq. ft. renovation delivers a highly specialized learning environment tailored to the College’s expanding animal care programs — including the Veterinary Technician program launched in Fall 2025.

The project reimagines a one-storey ATS building into a modern, purpose-built animal care facility — balancing technical precision, flexibility, and student-focused design.

At the core of the renovation is a suite of adaptable learning spaces that support hands-on education and evolving curriculum needs:

Advanced simulation technology plays a key role in the program, including digital cadavers for anatomy instruction and realistic animal models — from small animals to a full-scale horse model — allowing students to practice procedures such as blood draws and catheter placement in a controlled environment.

Beyond labs and clinical areas, the building prioritizes comfort, collaboration, and wellness:

Warm material palettes, acoustic detailing, and carefully integrated lighting help soften the technical nature of the program while maintaining durability and hygiene standards.

The renovation also reflects Conestoga’s commitment to environmental responsibility. A new mechanical room featuring electrified air-source heat pumps replaces the building’s former natural gas heating system — reducing operational carbon emissions and supporting long-term energy efficiency.

This project highlights how adaptive reuse can deliver highly specialized academic environments without new construction — transforming legacy infrastructure into future-ready spaces that directly respond to evolving education and workforce needs.

From advanced veterinary simulation labs to thoughtfully designed student lounges, the Animal Care ATS Building sets a new benchmark for applied health education in Canada.

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