Energy builds confirming DeSutter as Fundraising Chair

Darcy DeSutter, Owner Operator of Yarmouth and Digby Canadian Tire Stores

Darcy DeSutter, owner of the Canadian Tire stores in Yarmouth and Digby, loves participating in building projects. That's just one of the many reasons why he's accepted the position of Campaign Chair for the fundraising campaign for the Mariners Centre expansion.

"I think it will be really exciting," he says of the Mariners Centre project. "I fundamentally like building things. Expanding the store and seeing the changes day-to-day and week-to-week was always exciting."  In fact, in 2019 he supervised the expansion of his Yarmouth Canadian Tire store, doubling retail space from 48,000 square feet to 98,000.

With design plans for the Mariners Centre expansion on the way, he's pumped. Being part of the development of this world-class fitness experience is important to him so he's enthusiastically dedicating time to help bring the regional dream to reality.

In addition to already being a board member for the Mariners Centre, Darcy's devoted considerable time to the doctor recruitment committee and coaches his daughter's hockey team.

He's been an athlete since the age of 3 1/2 when he strapped on hockey skates.  As he became older, he also played basketball, volleyball and soccer, then rugby in university and triathlons and Ironman's for the following15 years.

He's a strong advocate for sports and their value in fitness.

"Sports were integral in my development, playing on teams growing up. I think it's such an important part of kid's lives. Coaching just reminds me of the important lessons of teamwork and working hard, and commitment, and showing up - all those pieces that make us better human beings. If I can be involved with kids continuing to have access to that, or having access to those facilities, that's something that resonates with me, it really does," he says.

He believes exercise also helps to clear the "mental decks" by washing away concern or at least putting it in perspective.

"If you sit in front of a desk all day, the concern or the stresses are right there. Whereas when you walk on a beach or in the woods, they recede and I think that's important, to take care of ourselves. With a local pool, skating, a work-out facility at hand - people are inclined to want to do that stuff," he says.

He adds that while exercising is great for any individual, it's also good for the community overall.

The healthier people there are in the community, the less taxing it is on precious health resources.

"I see the connection between doctor recruitment and the Mariners Centre," he says.

The same is true for folks that come to Nova Scotia looking for a place to live, he adds.

Potential new residents look for different elements that they require ((as a threshold)) in the community.

While healthcare and a hospital are definitely on the list, part of the critical infrastructure for many is a facility similar to what is being built at the Mariners Centre. Darcy believes that several new doctors have even been drawn to the area by the conception of the expansion and their love of recreation.

"These different aspects of infrastructure are needed in order to attract doctors and young families. I think the Mariners Centre is a natural fit to that community piece, to have what's required for a lot of people to look at this as a long-term stay. This community is diverse in what it has to offer...hockey, soccer, swimming, strong running and triathlon groups, but also kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, recreational fishing.  The outdoor activities are endless and the scenery is second to none", he says.

Darcy says the plan for his family when they first moved to Yarmouth was always to return to British Columbia, where much of their extended family is located.... but they fell in love with the Yarmouth area.

"There are so many positives here. There were a lot of positives in BC too but when push comes to shove, what more could you want?

We probably have a unique opportunity here to have a lifestyle very similar to how we were raised. Yarmouth has been good to us so I think it's only right that we return that favour."