Ontario Poultry Research Centre Breaks Ground in Elora

Construction is underway on the Ontario Poultry Research Centre in Elora, Ontario, with dedicated poultry areas and specialized and commercial research wings planned for completion by summer 2028. The project brings together the Ontario government, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), four poultry feather boards and the University of Guelph, with more than $24 million committed by the province through ARIO.

In its October 7, 2026 report, Farms.com confirms that the project has broken ground. For contractors and suppliers, the scope centres on an agricultural research facility accommodating several poultry production and research functions.

Key Project Facts

• Project type: Poultry research centre.
• Location: Elora, Ontario.
• Scope: Dedicated areas for layers and pullets, broilers and hatcheries, plus specialized and commercial research wings.
• Provincial funding: More than $24 million through Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario.
• Design-phase funding: $250,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
• Project partners: Ontario government, ARIO, University of Guelph and Ontario’s four poultry feather boards.
• Stage: Ground broken; construction underway as reported in October 2026.
• Timeline: Completion expected by summer 2028.

Dedicated Poultry Areas and Two Research Wing Types

The Ontario Poultry Research Centre will combine dedicated poultry areas with specialized and commercial research wings capable of supporting multiple research disciplines. Its building program includes:

• Areas for layers and pullets.
• Broiler areas.
• Hatcheries.
• Specialized research wings.
• Commercial research wings.

Research will cover animal welfare, nutrition, reproduction, meat quality and genetics. Biosecurity, food safety, flock health and production efficiency are also part of the centre’s research mandate.

More Than $24 Million in Provincial Funding

Ontario’s commitment of more than $24 million is being delivered through ARIO. The project also includes contributions from Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission, and Turkey Farmers of Ontario.

A separate $250,000 contribution through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership supports part of the design phase. These amounts represent funding commitments rather than a stated construction contract value.

The University of Guelph is a partner in the research centre alongside the province, ARIO and the four feather boards.

Construction Coordination Across Poultry and Research Spaces

The combination of hatcheries, poultry areas and research wings makes this a more varied building program than a single-purpose poultry barn. For contractors reviewing later-stage packages, the distinct uses make coordination between building services, interior assemblies and each area’s operating requirements an important consideration.

Biosecurity and flock health are explicit parts of the research mandate. Contractors should assess applicable requirements in the project specifications when evaluating materials, installation methods and interfaces between work packages.

Completion is expected by summer 2028. With construction already underway, the relevant pursuit focus is on later-stage building systems and finishes rather than early site and structural packages.

Construction Trades Involved

The project has entered early construction, so early site and structural trades should be treated as underway rather than potential new work.

Later-stage trades that could potentially still be available, subject to procurement status, include:

• Mechanical systems and HVAC.
• Plumbing.
• Electrical.
• Fire protection.
• Roofing.
• Glazing.
• Insulation.
• Drywall.
• Flooring.
• Painting.
• Doors and hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Ontario Poultry Research Centre being built?

The research centre is being built in Elora, Ontario.

When is construction expected to be completed?

The Ontario Poultry Research Centre is expected to be completed by summer 2028. Construction was reported underway on October 7, 2026.

What facilities are included in the project?

The centre will include dedicated areas for layers and pullets, broilers and hatcheries, along with specialized and commercial research wings supporting multiple research disciplines.

For contractors and suppliers, the Elora project is a specialized agricultural research build with distinct poultry and research spaces. Firms assessing later-stage opportunities should focus on how their systems and materials fit those uses and the summer 2028 completion target.

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