The Jim Flaherty Fieldhouse at Abilities Centre will be closed from Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 19 for the setup, filming, and teardown of a professional film production. This comes so soon after last month’s facility closure, and members deserve a clear picture of why this decision was made and what it means going forward.
A production agency reached out to Abilities Centre with a one-time opportunity, the kind that doesn’t come around often. After extensive discussions, Abilities Centre made the decision to move forward because saying yes now means the organization can do more for its members later.
While the field house will be closed, the HUR Room will remain open to members, and group fitness classes will continue on the regular schedule in a relocated space within the centre. Programs normally held in the field house will move to alternate spaces, with members notified directly of their program’s new location.
Filming will be contained entirely to the field house. No members or program participants will be filmed, and no crew or equipment will be visible in other areas of the building.
When the field house fully reopens on Sunday, September 20, here is what Abilities Centre is committing to.
- A membership pricing freeze for 2027, so rates hold steady through next year.
- Increased operating hours later this fall, giving members more time in the building, especially on weekends.
- New investment in the facility, including purchases of needed fitness equipment to improve the member experience.
As a way to say thank you, annual members and pass holders will receive a complimentary two-week extension on their membership. To redeem this offer, members must visit the Customer Service desk no later than September 30, 2026. This extension is non-transferable.
Thank you to members for their patience during this short window.
If you have questions, you can reach the Abilities Centre team at services@abilitiescentre.org or 905-665-8500.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the closure
Why is the fieldhouse closing?
Abilities Centre has agreed to host a professional film production in the Jim Flaherty Fieldhouse from September 10 to 19. This is a paid opportunity that allows the organization to reinvest directly into facility upgrades and equipment for members.
Is this happening because Abilities Centre is having financial trouble?
No. This is a proactive decision, not a response to financial difficulty. Abilities Centre is choosing to take on this opportunity because it directly funds improvements members will benefit from, including facility and equipment investment.
What exactly is closed?
The fieldhouse will be closed to members for the full period from Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 19 inclusive.
Why is this happening so soon after the facility was closed in August?
Abilities Centre recognizes the timing is close together and understands this may be frustrating for members. The August closure and this filming opportunity were scheduled independently of one another. Abilities Centre appreciates members’ patience as both were worked through in a short window.
Access and programs
What is staying open?
Program schedules will remain the same. Programs normally held in the fieldhouse will move to alternate spaces within the centre for the duration of the closure. Members will be notified of the specific location for their program.
Will program schedules change?
Program schedules will remain the same. Programs normally held in the fieldhouse will move to alternate spaces within the centre for the duration of the closure. Members will be notified of the specific location for their program.
Will Thrive and A.S.A.D. programming be affected?
Thrive and A.S.A.D. activities will be adjusted accordingly, but programming will not be impacted.
Will drop-in or open gym time in the fieldhouse be available anywhere else?
Members looking for open gym during this period are encouraged to use the HUR Room, which remains open throughout the closure.
Accessibility and comfort
Will accessible routes and washrooms still be available during filming?
Yes. Accessible routes, washrooms, and amenities throughout the rest of the facility remain fully available. Only the fieldhouse itself is closed to members.
Will there be added noise, equipment, or activity in other parts of the building because of filming?
No. Filming activity will be contained to the fieldhouse, and members will not encounter crew or equipment in other areas of the centre.
Will member privacy be protected during filming?
Yes. Filming is contained to the fieldhouse, and members using other areas of the centre will not be filmed.
Membership and compensation
Will I be compensated for the days the Fieldhouse is unavailable?
Yes. Memberships will be extended complimentary for two weeks (must be redeemed by September 30, 2026). This extension is non-transferable and applies to annual members (paid upfront or monthly) and 30-day pass users who purchased between August 11 and September 9, 2026.
What is Abilities Centre committing to when it reopens?
When the fieldhouse reopens on Sunday, September 20, Abilities Centre is committing to a membership rate freeze through 2027, increased operating hours, and reinvestment of funds from this production into facility and equipment upgrades.
Parking and access
Will parking be affected during filming?
Yes. Film crew vehicles and equipment will occupy a portion of the parking lot. Members are asked to park at the north end of the parking lot for the duration of the closure.
Will building entrances or hours change during this period?
No. Building entrances and hours remain the same during the closure period.
Contact
Who do I contact with questions?
Members can reach the Abilities Centre team at services@abilitiescentre.org or 905-665-8500.
What if my question isn’t answered here?
Members are encouraged to reach out directly with any specific concerns, especially those related to individual program schedules, accessibility needs, or accommodations during this period.