$2.7 Million Funding for BC & Alberta Guide Dogs New Breeding & Training Centre

BC & Alberta Guide Dogs is thrilled to announce a transformational investment for our new Centre of Excellence! On Friday, Nov. 8, we welcomed Delta MP Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, to our Ladner Trunk Road facility. Minister Qualtrough announced $2.7 million in funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, supporting the expansion of our Breeding & Training Centre of Excellence that is slated to open in early 2026.

This expansion represents a significant step forward in our mission to improve accessibility and quality of life for persons with disabilities. As Qualtrough stated, “When you have a guide dog, it’s a lifeline. It’s a way to explore the world confidently… it means you have mobility.” The new Centre will directly address the growing demand for Guide and Service Dogs by reducing wait times and creating a more accessible training environment.

Our Breeding & Training Centre will include advanced facilities to support our programs, such as an on-site veterinary clinic and a well-equipped training space tailored to our dogs’ needs. This state-of-the-art environment will make training a smooth experience for current and future Guide and Service Dog owners, empowering them with expertly trained dogs for years to come.

William Thornton, CEO, shared that this investment is “not just a financial contribution, it’s a powerful endorsement of our mission and the work that we do to serve and uplift our community.” With this expansion, we aim to breed 100 purpose-bred puppies each year, accelerating our ability to place Guide and Service Dogs with those who need them.

We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and continuing our work to foster a more inclusive future.

Thank you to our dedicated supporters, volunteers, and partners. Together, we are building a future that offers independence, confidence, and accessibility to those who need it most.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!