Our mission continues. So will this dream.
Update on construction at our new National Training School in Oakville
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has been working with a committed philanthropic lender with a history of supporting Lions International. Executed legal agreements are in place related to philanthropic support and private financing intended to stabilize the project and allow construction to continue.
Unfortunately, due to an ongoing disruption beyond both the organization’s and donor’s control, we have not yet been able to access the committed funds within the timeline required by our construction partner. All parties continue to work actively and in good faith toward a resolution.
As a result, Turner Construction has begun demobilizing from the Oakville site and the construction contract has now been terminated. While this temporary setback is disappointing, it does not change our commitment to building a new National Training School. We are continuing to work diligently to finalize funding solutions that will help move the project forward and put construction back on track. We are grateful for Turner’s professionalism, patience and support throughout this process – and we hope to re-engage them once financing becomes accessible and construction can resume.
What this means for our organization
We want to reassure our community that Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides remains operational. Dogs currently in training continue to receive the care, support, and accreditation they need through our nationally accredited program, and we continue supporting Canadians who rely on Dog Guides every day.
We encourage you to join the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides taking place this weekend. We are actively training and matching dogs with clients and funds raised through the Walk directly support our day-to-day operations to make these transformational matches happen. We continue to train, care for, and match Dog Guides with Canadians who rely on them.
We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our wonderful community of foster families, donors, volunteers, clients and staff. We will continue to provide updates as timelines and next steps are available.
If you have any additional questions, please visit our FAQ section for more information.
Watch the Difference Take Shape
Building a state-of-the-art, fully accessible training school is a big undertaking. It takes time, funding, and a whole lot of attention to detail. Help us get our school and our future back on track.
The Difference for Kevin
“Dog Guides offers such a great opportunity for people like me. Having Pat changed my world. He’s my best friend, my helper, and my wingman when I meet new people. I can’t imagine my life without him.
The new training school means more people will be able to access the fully accessible facility and benefit from a Dog Guide, just like I have, forming great partnerships along the way.
We had to be away from home for three weeks when I was first matched with my Dog Guide. People from my class were in rooms all over the building. The new facility will keep classes together, which I’m excited for!
The new rooms and training areas look amazing. It will be great for everyone to stay and work there. Pat and I can’t wait to visit the new training school when it’s done! Thank you, Dog Guides, for changing my life.” — Kevin & Pat, Service team
The Difference for Nikita
“Training at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides school in Oakville was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported by the trainers, dogs, and the shared goal of helping people like me gain independence. It was a space where I could grow alongside my new companion.
With that being said, I believe relocating to a new training school will significantly enhance the training experience for future clients. At the Oakville training school, we had to complete some exercises, like obstacle courses, in the hallways, which limited their effectiveness. Accessibility was also a concern. The elevator was unreliable, required a key, and was difficult for individuals in wheelchairs to use.
A modern, spacious, and accessible training school would provide a more comfortable environment. With updated resources and a better layout, future teams will be set up for greater success.” — Nikita & Destiny, Canine Vision team
For Clients – Accessible and Comfortable Guest Rooms
For our clients, there will be 35 large bedrooms that will be fully accessible with space and furnishings to allow our clients and dogs to bond and relax in the privacy of their room.
For Clients, Staff, and Dog Guides – Training Spaces and Classroom
Dedicated training areas and classrooms for each of the seven Dog Guides programs will provide a more conducive learning environment that has spaces dedicated to their training.
For Dog Guides – Optimize Canine Well-Being
Larger and improved kennel spaces will provide indoor and outdoor spaces to learn, play, and relax. These spaces will increase their health and well-being to set them up for success in their training.
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