By Alec Bruce, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Guysborough Journal
GUYSBOROIGH: The Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) has awarded a $2-million construction contract to Iron Maple Constructors of Dartmouth for the development of a new fitness centre in Canso.
The decision was approved at council’s committee of the whole meeting on May 7, following a formal review of the company’s bid, which was the only submission received in response to a design-build request for proposals (RFP) issued April 4 and closed April 30.
According to MODG Director of Public Works Glen Avery, Iron Maple met all specifications outlined in the RFP. The company’s $1.95-million proposal includes a 2,000-square-foot fitness space and a 500-square-foot entrance addition to the existing Canso Arena.
The facility will feature dedicated entryways for both the arena and the fitness area, along with staff offices, change rooms, accessible washrooms and controlled access to the adjoining pool.
Avery told council the project also includes $108,000 to repave the front parking area and $46,000 to repaint the existing arena. The total cost, including HST and factoring in applicable rebates, comes to $2,025,916. The proposal was reviewed and endorsed by Catalyst Engineering, which recommended its acceptance.
Funding includes $700,000 from the province’s infrastructure fund, $625,916 from MODG’s federal gas tax reserve and $700,000 from the municipality’s capital reserve.
A detailed timeline will be confirmed following a startup meeting with the contractor, but Avery confirmed that construction will begin “as soon as possible.” Following a brief pause during the annual StanFest music festival in July, the build will resume, with full completion anticipated by February 2026.
Council first voted to proceed with the RFP at its April 2 meeting. That decision followed the relocation of the previous community gym from the Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy, where the Strait Regional Centre for Education reallocated the space for early childhood programming.
“This is a project we’ve needed for some time,” said Warden Paul Long at the meeting in April. “Having the fitness centre combined with the arena will support healthy living, create new recreational opportunities and offer more flexibility for families using the facility.”
Deputy CAO Shawn Andrews previously noted that the move ensures continued access to health and wellness resources in the region.
“This is about delivering something sustainable and accessible for residents of all ages,” he said. “Thanks are also owed to the Strait Regional Centre for Education for allowing us to use the school facility for so many years.”