Guelph in Wellington County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Ontario Veterinary College

1862

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 7, 2025

1. Ontario Veterinary College Marker

Inscription. This college, known until 1869 as the Upper Canada Veterinary School, was the first in Canada to offer courses in veterinary medicine. It was established in Toronto in 1862 by the Board of Agriculture, and although partially sponsored by this government body it was operated as a private enterprise by Prof. Andrew Smith, a graduate of Edinburgh Vetertnary College. Incorporated in 1896, the college was affiliated with the University of Toronto in 1897, although the latter did not confer degrees in veterinary science until 1908. In that year Prof. Smith retired, and the Ontario Government acquired his interest in the college. Placed under the Department of Agriculture, it was moved to Guelph in 1922.

Erected by Ontario Archeological and Historical Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 43° 31.909′ N, 80° 13.955′ W. Marker is in Guelph, Ontario, in Wellington County.

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It is at the intersection of College Avenue West and Gordon Street, on the left when traveling west on College Avenue West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16 College Avenue W, Guelph ON N1G 1R7, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Ontario Veterinary College (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank W. Schofield (1889-1970) (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Entrance Old Main Building (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Ontario Agricultural College (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); James Mills 1840-1924 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Macdonald Institute (approx. 0.3 kilometers away);

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 7, 2025

2. Ontario Veterinary College Marker

The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Macdonald Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guelph.

The Ontario Veterinary College, 1920s image. Click for full size.

3. The Ontario Veterinary College, 1920s

Source: University of Guelph Archives (public domain)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.