Design phase for temporary Stadacona fitness facility underway

CFB Borden’s fitness facility.

CFB Halifax Public Affairs
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Two years ago, CFB Halifax’s Stadacona Fitness, Sports and Recreation Centre (STADPLEX) closed its doors for the last time after 75 years in operation. At that time, a comprehensive Real Property Operations infrastructure plan was developed to address the short, medium and long-term fitness needs of the base population.

Since then, local Defence Team members, visitors of the base, and neighbouring residents have likely noticed lots of activity taking place on the STADPLEX property. Following a lengthy demolition period, the space that housed the 8,853 square meter facility is now neat and tidy, featuring a new parking area and sidewalk, a gravel pad and landscaping. 

But there’s more planned for this property. 

Where STADPLEX once stood will soon be a new gym hub for local Defence Team members. 

“We are currently entering the design phase for a temporary, winterized fitness facility, to be constructed on this property,” explains Maj Mandy Landolt, Officer Commanding Real Property Operations Section (Halifax).

Modelled after a similar facility at CFB Borden, the 1,250 square metre fitness space at Stadacona will be heated and air-conditioned, and include an open gymnasium area for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and ball hockey; an area for cardio machines and weights; locker rooms with showers and washrooms; a reception office for fitness and sports instructors; and a storage room for equipment. 

Considerably more compact than the original STADPLEX gym, the facility will have a maximum capacity of approximately 134 members; this capacity will be reduced as required if physical distancing measures are still in effect upon final construction. 

While PSP Halifax staff have been offering quality fitness services at both the Fleet and Shearwater gyms as well as online, they are looking forward to bringing some of these services back to Stadacona as the operators of this new facility.

“Between the closure of STADPLEX in 2018 and the current challenges of operating in a COVID-19 environment, we’ve certainly had our work cut out for us to ensure we can continue providing quality physical fitness programming to our local defence community,” says Stacey Robichaud, the Fitness, Sports and Recreation Manager at PSP Halifax. “Having added space for fitness activities at Stadacona – even in a small area – will be a welcome addition. We will be ready to set up shop when construction is completed.”

The facility design is scheduled for completion by May 2021, with the construction timeline still to be confirmed.

Capt(N) Sean Williams, CFB Halifax Base Commander, has been tracking this project since he assumed command in August 2020. He is an advocate for healthy living and knows that any additional space for fitness services will be important for the overall health and wellness of the base community.   

“We look forward to introducing this new capability at Stadacona, as it will allow us to bolster our existing fitness programming and services in order to meet the diverse fitness needs of the base. I want to thank our incredible PSP Halifax team and our colleagues at Real Property Operations Section (Halifax) and Defence Construction Canada for their ongoing efforts to ensure this project comes to fruition.”

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