A veterinarian with a long list of accolades in Wheatley could soon have a trail named in his honour.
At Monday’s council meeting, council will vote on a naming application for the Wheatley Arboretum and Learning Trail. The Wheatley Horticultural Society has asked that it be called Doc. McKibbin Way after Dr. Lloyd McKibbin.
Dr. McKibbin began his practice in Wheatley after graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1952. The Wheatley native eventually became a pioneer in the advancement of equine veterinary medicine. Dr. McKibbin’s utilization of swimming, acupuncture, and electric current in healing led him to treat horses from around the world.
The veterinarian was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2023, 23 years after his death. McKibbin was also named Wheatley Man of the Year in 1979 and inducted into the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1989.
Members of the Wheatley Horticultural Society said they want to “ensure that Dr. McKibbin is recognized for his achievements and support of community and education.”
The creation of the multi-use recreation, conservation, and educational space was initiated by the Wheatley Horticultural Society, with the help of community members and students from Wheatley Area Public School. The trail is set to open on May 24.