Spa project breaks ground at Cullen park

‘Innovative and multi-sensory experience’ awaits guests when Whitby facility opens in fall 2019

WHITBY— Shovels have finally hit the ground for the development of a four-season nature spa and wellness centre at Cullen Central Park in Whitby.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday to mark the start of construction for the long-awaited project, which was first announced for the former Cullen Gardens property at 300 Taunton Rd. W. in 2010.

“We are proud to pursue this adventure in a town focused (on) improving the quality of life of its citizens,” said Martin Paquette, CEO and co-owner of Nordik Group, the Quebecbased company behind the $20-million investment.

“We have had the opportunity to meet with amazing people since the beginning of this project, people who believe in our ability to breathe new life into this Cullen park.”

The new relaxation destination will be built on a 385,423- square-foot site with a capacity of up to 1,100 people per day.

It promises to provide guests with an “avant-garde, innovative and multi-sensory rejuvenation experience,” featuring a mix of thermal baths and saunas inspired by Scandinavian traditions, waterfalls and several indoor and outdoor rest areas.

Various wellness massages, body treatments and rituals will also be offered.

Other key amenities include a large floating saltwater pool — only the third of its kind in the world — a sauna event space that will accommodate120 people and three dining areas.

The Whitby facility will be the company’s third Nordic-style spa in Canada; the first opened in Chelsea, Que., in 2005 and is the largest spa in North America. A second spa was opened in Winnipeg, Man., in 2015.

“I’ve had the good fortune and pleasure to work with a team that (is) as dedicated and passionate as I am about creating this oasis of relaxation experience,” said Paquette.

“Our mission is to transform people’s lives one visit at a time.”

In 2011, the Town of Whitby entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Nordik Group for the development of a year-round heat therapy spa on the former grounds of Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village — a popular tourist attraction from 1980 to 2006.

A more than $2.6-million transaction closed between the town and the company in 2013 for the 20,000-sq.-ft. main building and 7.41 acres on the 85.5-acre Cullen lands.

The project has since expanded with the company now owning 9.61 acres of the property with the addition of the tablelands fronting onto Taunton Road.

That includes the space previ- ously occupied by the main building, which was demolished late last year to make room for the development.

“I cannot think of any proposal that has captured and held the interest of this town like this one,” said Mayor Don Mitchell.

“The community is so anxious to see this built and so excited, and it’s really going to make us leaders ... this is going to be a wonderful thing for our town, and our region, and the entire GTA.”

Nordik Group’s spa locations are distinguished by their settings that combine natural scenery in wooded havens with easy access to urban areas.

“The site charmed us from the beginning. When we choose a site for a new spa, it’s imperative that it is surrounded by nature while being close to a city — two criteria that are met by Cullen Central Park,” Daniel Gingras, the company’s co-owner and vice-president of marketing and corporate business development, said.

The opening of the Whitby spa is scheduled for fall 2019.

The Whitby facility will be the company’s third Nordic-style spa in Canada