Dr. Roland “Roly” Armitage, an OVC 1951 alumnus of the Ontario Veterinary College’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program at the University of Guelph has been awarded the Order of Ontario. This is the province’s highest honour, recognizing individuals whose exceptional achievements will leave a legacy in Ontario and beyond.
Dr. Roly Armitage, centre, receiving the OVC 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award with Dr. Elizabeth Stone, former Dean of OVC, and OVC alumni Dr. Lynn Helwig, right.
On January 1, 2021, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell announced 47 new appointees to the Order of Ontario for 2019 and 2020, naming Armitage as one of the appointments for the year of 2019.
Armitage was just 17 when he volunteered for service with the Royal Canadian Artillery in the Second World War, taking part in the Normandy campaign as well as the liberation of France and Holland. After his return to Canada, Armitage earned his degree as a veterinarian at the Ontario Veterinary College, then began his groundbreaking work in the equine industry.
Armitage has held many roles as a veterinarian, breeder, owner, administrator and racetrack manager, earning a reputation as a leader in the harness-racing industry as well as a successful breeder of standardbreds. He has been a longtime ambassador for the equine industry, and was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1999 for his efforts to advance the sport and improve track safety.
In addition to his experiences as a veteran, veterinarian and respected equine industry leader, Armitage has also held public office, serving as mayor of West Carleton Township and as a councilor for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton before its amalgamation in 2001. He has since authored three books: The Way it Was and Now (2014), Now, About Yesterday (2017), and Straight From the Horse’s Mouth (2018).
In 2002, Armitage received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of more than 50 years of service to his community. A terminal building at the Carp Airport near Ottawa bears his name, and in 2011, the city of Ottawa renamed the hall at the West Carleton community complex Dr. Roland Armitage Hall in recognition of his many contributions to civic life.
In 2013, the Ontario Veterinary College presented Armitage with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes an OVC graduate who has brought honour to the college and other Guelph alumni through leadership and service to country, science, education, profession or alma mater.
The OVC community extends its congratulations to Roly Armitage for his appointment to the Order of Ontario. It is an incredible and well-deserved honour.