“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.

  • 1. All facility bookings are subject to availability and all fees must be paid in full to confirm bookings. Fees can be paid by; cheque (made out to: Shubenacadie Canal Commission), credit card and e-transfer. Changes to reservation details (date, time, duration, etc.) must be requested and approved in advance.

    2. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations 10 business days before booking receive a 100% refund (less any credit card charges incurred by SCC). Cancellation must be received in writing.

    3. In the event of severely inclement weather or other circumstances outside of the SCC’s control resulting in cancellation of a scheduled booking, there will be no refund. However, fees may be credited toward a future booking if the booking is rescheduled to occur within a year and the request for rescheduling is made in writing to the Office Manager within five business days of the cancelled event. *Severe weather is based on an Environment Canada alert for the Dartmouth Area, including, but not limited to, blizzard, ice storm, hurricane, or flood.

    4. The SCC reserves the right to cancel any rental either prior to or during such rental and/or order all persons out or off the premises due to operational concerns, emergency, or failure of the user to comply with the rental terms.

    5. Wedding & Reception Bookings – require a different contract.

  • 1. Your rental is limited to the Avery Room. Access to the lower museum is only permitted if specifically arranged.

    2. The facility must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the rental agreement. Subletting or sharing the facility with third parties is prohibited without prior written consent.

    3. The renter is responsible for the conduct and behavior of all guests and attendees.

    4. The use of the tables, chairs, mic, mixer, and podium is included in the cost to rent the space. The SCC will do our best to setup the meeting space as requested on the booking agreement, at no additional fee. However, from time to time we are unable to accommodate the setup request and the renter will be responsible to setup for their event or meeting.

    5. Arrangements must be made in advance to rent the LCD projector OR the flip chart for your event (additional charges will apply) or if you wish to use the of mixer/mic.

    6. No tape (UNLESS USING PAINTERS TAPE) is permitted to be used on the walls. Renter may use flip chart paper (such as post-it style) that adheres to the wall.

    7. Blowing bubbles is allowed exclusively outdoors. The use of rice, confetti, petals, glitter, pyrotechnics, birdseed, or any similar items, is strictly prohibited both indoors and outdoors within the premises. Additionally, candles and sparklers are not permitted; only flameless candles are allowed.

    8. Renters are responsible for their own catering. All catering material must be removed before the end of the booking. The renter is responsible for coordinating with catering company.

    9. If alcoholic beverages will be offered at your event. You must have a Special Occasion License and have it onsite at your event. The center does Not hold Permanent Club/Special Premises license.

    10. It is the responsibility of the renter to ensure the space has been cleaned up (tables must be emptied of garbage, dishes etc.). All garbage must be placed in garbage cans, user is not responsible to remove garbage from the building.

    11. Noise levels must be kept at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing others in the vicinity.

    12. Events must conclude by the agreed-upon end time.

    13. The facility owner is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property.

    14. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in the cancellation of the rental agreement or additional charges.

    By renting our facility, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in this Facility Rental Usage Policy.

  • ~ If you wish to rent the LCD projector ($25 per day) for your event, arrangements must be made in advance.

    ~ If you wish to rent the flip chart  ($15 per day) for your event, arrangements must be made in advance.

  • Regular Rates (Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm)

    Half day (8:30am - 12:30pm or 12:30pm -4:30pm) - $195

    Full day (8:30am - 4:30 pm) - $330

    Evening / Weekend / Holiday Rates:

    4 hrs - $330

    8hrs - $550

    Non-Profit Rates (Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm)

    Half day (8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-4:30pm) - $165

    Full day (8:30am-4:30pm) - $250

    Weekend / Evening/ Holiday rates:

    4 hrs - $220

    8hrs - $330

    Starting April 1, 2024, our rates will reflect a modest increase, ensuring continued excellence in service and quality for our valued clients.


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.

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 80+

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