July 2025 update
Groundbreaking event and contractor award
The groundbreaking event for the new Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre (ESLC) took place July 2025. Guests in attendance included representatives from federal, provincial and municipal governments, members of the ESLC Committee community group, as well as members of the Millbrook First Nation who led the group in a ceremonial smudging.
The sod-turning ceremony took place on the grounds of the existing Fire Station #28, which is the future site of replacement fire station and ESLC. To prioritize safety, attendance at the ceremony was limited, as the site continues to operate as a fire station and is a designated construction site. However, a free luncheon hosted by the Sheet Harbour Lions Club was held after the ceremony at the nearby Masonic Hall which all residents of the Eastern Shore were invited to attend.
This project is being supported through funding from all three levels of government – federal, provincial and municipal. This multipurpose facility will contribute to long-term growth in the area and job creation during and after construction. With a focus on investment in rural communities through sustainable, inclusive infrastructure, the new ESLC will feature community & recreation amenities plus library access, with emergency services all housed under one facility. The new ESLC will also serve as a designated comfort centre to support residents during power outages, storms or other emergencies.
The project architect is Architecture49 Inc. and the construction contract was awarded to Avondale Construction Limited.
The ESLC is scheduled for completion in Fall 2027. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information when it becomes available.
Concept boards for the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre
Explore the concept boards for the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre. These designs reflect the ideas shared during the public engagement sessions in October 2024 and provide a vision for this future community space.
August 2024 Update
What We Heard
Feedback from the first round of public engagement, conducted in spring 2024, has been compiled and captured in a summary document. This information was used to inform the design development submission that will be shared with the public and presented during the next stage of consultation scheduled for October 2024.
Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre – coming in 2027.
This new facility will feature a community hall, Halifax Public Libraries space, Recreation programming areas, including a fitness centre and a reconstructed Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Station 28. The Sheet Harbour Recreation Office will be relocated to this new facility once completed in early 2027.
The Site
The new facility will be built on the land at 22835 Highway #7 in Sheet Harbour, the current home of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Station 28. The existing fire station will remain operational until the replacement station is complete, after which time the old station will be demolished which will enable completion of the new Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre facility.
Frequently asked questions about the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre
- What is the total cost of the project?
The combined estimated cost of the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre and Fire Station 28 is $41.9 million.
- Who is funding the project?
The project has received multi-level government funding and will be cost-shared with other levels of government.
- Municipal: $27.4M
- Provincial: $2.9M through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
- Federal: $11.6M (includes $3.6M from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and $8M from the Canada Community Building Fund)
- What services will the new facility include?
The 28,000 sq. ft. facility will house:
- A fully operational 24/7 Fire Station (#28)
- A large multi-purpose hall suitable for community events, recreation programming, private functions and Lions Club programming
- A public library
- Community meeting and programming spaces
- A fitness centre and recreation space, pickleball, and a basketball net
- Why was this location selected?
The site was chosen following an extensive due diligence process led by HRM and informed by the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre Committee. The selected location supports walkability, minimizes environmental impact, and is centrally located near local businesses and civic amenities—helping strengthen community connectivity and long-term economic activity.
- When will the project be completed?
The contract for the design of the facility was awarded to Architecture49 Inc. in November 2023 through an RFP process. The construction for the facility was awarded to Avondale Construction on June 24, 2025 through a tender process.
- Fire Station: Anticipated completion in late summer 2026
- Community Centre: Anticipated completion in fall 2027
- Who is the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre Committee?
Community groups in the area have conducted significant fundraising in support of the new facility through the Sheet Harbour Lions Club, in particular the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre Committee. The Committee, through its Board of Directors, continues to play a key role in ensuring the perspectives of the Eastern Shore communities are reflected in the new facility.
- How was the community involved in the planning?
The project was shaped by public consultation sessions in spring and fall of 2024. The community group known as the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre Committee played a foundational role, initiating the vision as early as 2016, and working closely with HRM throughout planning and site selection.
- Will emergency services be affected during construction?
No. Fire services will remain fully operational during the construction period. The existing station will remain in use until the new one is ready, after which it will be decommissioned.
- How does this facility support inclusion and sustainability?
- The project is designed to Net Zero Ready standards, contributing to HRM’s climate goals.
- Climate adaption features include stormwater management, underground water storage for drought resilience, and post-disaster structural design to withstand wind and seismic events – critical for its role as a fire station.
- The facility will be built to Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (Gold) standards.
- Accessible fitness equipment will be purchased and assistive listening systems will be available for wayfinding and events.
- Programming will reflect local community needs across generations and abilities.
- Will the facility be open to surrounding communities and Indigenous partners?
Yes. The Centre is being built to serve all residents from East Ship Harbour to Ecum Secum and will be an inclusive space that welcomes Mi’kmaq community members and residents from across the region for wellness, education, recreation, and gathering.
Sheet Harbour Recreation Office and Seaside Fitness Centre service Sheet Harbour and its surrounding communities from East Ship Harbour to Ecum Secum. The entrance to the fitness centre and the administrative office is located behind the building.
Address
Blue Water Building
22756 Highway #7
Sheet Harbour, NS
B0J 3B0
Fitness Centre Hours
Contact Information
Phone: 902.885.2988
Fax: 902.885.3554
Facility Description
The Sheet Harbour Recreation Office has:
- offices
- fitness centre
- bathroom
- change room
Memberships
Seaside Fitness Centre Equipment
Programs Offered
Visit halifax.ca/myREC to see upcoming programs in Sheet Harbour and surrounding communities.
Free Equipment Available
- snowshoes