“Where business meets tranquility.”
A unique combination of natural beauty and modern convenience makes the Fairbanks Centre the ideal location for your next meeting or event. The Fairbanks Centre is located just minutes from downtown at the entrance to the beautiful Shubie Park. It is available for bookings year-round, and features ample parking as well as easy access via transit and active transportation. The Avery Room, a large multifunction room, may be booked at any time, and the museum itself is also available on evenings and weekends.
During breaks, your guests can tour the exhibit area of the Fairbanks Centre, where the 19th-century creation and operation of the canal are brought to life. Just outside, visitors can visit the Shubenacadie Canal itself along well-maintained trails, with Lock 3 located just steps from the parking lot and Lock 2 also found within the park.
During the summer months, other services are also available around the Fairbanks Centre, including canoe and kayak rentals and food service.
Explore the Avery Room – A distinctive venue nestled in the heart of Shubie Park, offering an ideal setting for your upcoming meeting, event, or retreat.
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1. Booking Confirmation: All facility bookings are subject to availability. To confirm your booking, all fees must be paid in full. Payment methods include cheque (payable to Shubenacadie Canal Commission), credit card, and e-transfer. Any changes to reservation details (e.g., date, time, or duration) must be requested and approved in advance.
2. Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made 10 business days before the booking date are eligible for a 100% refund, less any credit card processing fees incurred by SCC.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing or confirmed verbally with the Office Manager.
3. Weather & Uncontrollable Circumstances:
If a booking is canceled due to severe weather or other circumstances beyond SCC’s control, no refund will be provided.
However, a credit may be applied toward a future booking (to be used within one year) if a rescheduling request is submitted in writing to the Office Manager within five business days of the cancellation.
Severe weather is defined based on an Environment Canada alert for the Dartmouth Area (e.g., blizzard, ice storm, hurricane, or flood).
4. Right to Cancel: SCC reserves the right to cancel any rental before or during the event due to operational concerns, emergencies, or failure to comply with rental terms. If cancellation is not the renter’s fault, a refund (minus credit card fees) or a credit for use within the same fiscal year may be offered.
5. Weddings & Receptions: A separate contract is required for wedding and reception bookings.
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Restricted Areas: Rental is limited to the Avery Room and adjoining areas set up with tables. Access to the lower museum must be prearranged.
Purpose of Use: The facility must be used only for the purposes stated in the rental agreement. Subletting or sharing the space with third parties is prohibited without prior written consent.
Guest Conduct: Renters are responsible for the behavior and conduct of all guests and attendees.
Room Setup
Tables (ten 8ft), chairs (47 padded & 45 plastic), microphones, the mixer, and the podium are included in the rental cost.
SCC will strive to set up the space as requested in your booking agreement at no additional charge. If SCC is unable to meet your setup request, the renter is responsible for setting up the space.
Wall Use:
Tape is not permitted on the walls except for painter’s tape.
flip chart paper (e.g., Post-it style) that adheres to walls is acceptable.
Additional Equipment: Renters must arrange in advance to rent the LCD projector or flip chart (additional fees apply). Use of the mixer and microphone must also be prearranged.
Prohibited Items:
Blowing bubbles is permitted outdoors only.
The following items are strictly prohibited indoors and outdoors: rice, confetti, petals, glitter, pyrotechnics, birdseed, candles, sparklers, or similar materials. Only flameless candles are allowed.
Catering:
Renters are responsible for their own catering arrangements.
All catering materials must be removed before the end of the booking. Renters must coordinate directly with their catering company.
Alcohol Policy:
If alcoholic beverages are served, a Special Occasion License must be obtained and kept onsite during the event. SCC does not hold a Permanent Club/Special Premises license.
Cleanup Responsibilities:
Renters must ensure the space is cleaned before the end of their booking (e.g., tables must be cleared of garbage and dishes).
All garbage must be placed in designated bins.
Noise Levels: Noise must be kept at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing others in the vicinity.
Event End Time: Events must conclude by the agreed-upon end time.
Liability: SCC is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property.
Policy Compliance: Failure to comply with this policy may result in cancellation of the rental agreement or additional charges.
By renting the Avery Room, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Facility Rental Usage Policy.
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Regular Rates (Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm)
Half day (8:30am - 12:30pm OR 12:30pm -4:30pm) - $250
Full day (8:30am - 4:30 pm) - $400
*Interpretive space (4hrs) - $100
*Interpretive space (8hrs) - $200
Additional hour $95
**discount for 2 plus consecutive day booking.
Evening / Weekend / Holiday Rates:
4 hrs - $420
8hrs - $750
Non-Profit Rates (Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm)
Half day (8:30am-12:30pm OR 12:30pm-4:30pm) - $220
Full day (8:30am-4:30pm) - $330
*Interpretive space (4hrs) - $50
*Interpretive space (8hrs) - $100
Additional hour $65
**discount for 2 plus consecutive day booking.
Weekend / Evening/ Holiday rates:
4 hrs - $300
8hrs - $500
*interpretive space can be rented only with an Avery Room rental.
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~ If you wish to rent the LCD projector -$85 per day-($35 per day for non-profits) for your event, arrangements must be made in advance.
~ If you wish to rent the flip chart ($25 per day) for your event, arrangements must be made in advance.
online rENTAL PAYMENT OPTION
Catering | Event Rental options
We sometimes are asked for suggestions on catering options so we’ve compiled a list HERE. Details subject to change and the catering | event rental list are just recommendations, and the SCC is not responsible for any dealings between the renter and the vendors noted. Renters are not required to use any of these vendors.
If you plan to serve alcohol at your event, you must have a Special Occasion Liquor Licence on hand during the event. You can apply here: Special Occasion Liquor Licence . Please note that alcohol consumption is only permitted inside the centre and cannot be approved for outdoor areas.
Avery Room Calendar
Room Setup Options
Common room setups are noted below. Or let us know if you have something else in mind.
There are ten 8ft tables available and chairs for 95 (47 banquet style; 48 plastic)
Avery Room is 104 sqm.
Classroom configuration, ideal for 40-60 individuals.
Board room configuration, ideal for 15 to 20 individuals.
U-shape configuration, ideal for 25 to 30 individuals.
Theatre configuration, ideal for gatherings of 80 to 100 individuals.
Banquet configuration, designed for 80 individuals, well-suited for larger groups and receptions requiring tables.
ROOM reservation request
Fields marked with an * are required.
You will be contacted when this form is received and will be notified if the time and date you had requested is available.
If you have not been contacted after one business day please call 902-462-1826 and ask for Paula.
Full payment is required confirm the booking.
PAYMENT
