The generous contribution to the new clinic located inside the much-anticipated Oulton-Stanish Centre will allow for an even greater investment in community health and wellness.
Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, far left and far right, and athletes Robbie Forbes, centre left, and Grace Beer tour the area of the Oulton-Stanish Centre where a new physiotherapy clinic will be. (Nick Pearce photos)
The clinic currently offers rehabilitation services to 15,000 patients annually, ranging from Dal faculty and staff to student athletes and community members. It also provides teaching and learning opportunities for physiotherapy and kinesiology students.
The expansion from the clinic's current location in Dalplex to the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Community Wellness Level of the Oulton-Stanish Centre will ensure more private and semi-private treatment rooms are available to provide personalized care to even more members of the community.
A clinic that inspires confidence
When Jenn Bethune (MSc'14), a Halifax-based audiologist and client of the clinic, was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2018 while four months pregnant, she wanted to find a clinic that would be equipped to work with her complex situation. Bethune was confident Dal's clinic could assist in her recovery given it was located at a university.
"The clinic is very clearly a teaching centre. I've had students help take care of me and the current staff are committed to advancing their skills. You can tell that everyone really cares about their work and providing the best care possible."
You can tell that everyone really cares about their work and providing the best care possible.
Bethune said that her decision to go to the clinic has improved all aspects of her life.
"I don't think I would be as physically capable as I am today without the Dal physio team," she said. "I can better perform my duties at work, as a parent and as a participant in the world."
This sentiment is echoed by Rhonda Reardon, clinic manager of the Dalhousie Physiotherapy Clinic.
"The clinic is here to support people throughout their lifespan, whether they want to walk the Camino de Santiago at 70-years old, go rock climbing with their friends or be able to compete competitively in their varsity or club sport," she said.
A community hub
As longtime supporters of Dalhousie, the opportunity to support the Oulton-Stanish Centre aligned with McLean and McCain's ongoing commitments to improving health outcomes and investing in community wellbeing. In addition to their philanthropic work, McLean served as an adjunct professor in Dal's School of Nursing and McCain currently serves on the Dalhousie Advisory Council (DAC).
"My family's roots run deep at Dalhousie," said McLean, explaining that she grew up blocks away from Dal where her father, Dr. James McLean, served as dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. "It is a pleasure to know that our families' names will be connected to the centre and to an inclusive space that will facilitate wellness and compassionate care for the broader Dal and Halifax community."
The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Community Wellness Level will be located on the second floor of the Oulton-Stanish Centre, a 60,000-square-foot facility featuring an NHL-sized ice surface and a variety of community spaces and event rooms.
Located on the site of the previous Memorial Arena, the centre has been made possible thanks to donor support.
"Leslie and I are proud to support the Oulton-Stanish Centre and the overarching mission of bringing people together through sport, wellness and recreation," said McCain. "This space will play an important role in helping to improve health outcomes and drive positive change for the community."
With Leslie and Scott's generous support, we are one step closer to building a stronger and healthier community.
Dr. Kim Brooks, president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie, said McCain and McLean's gift plays an important role in the advancement of teaching and learning as well as building a strong relationship with the local community.
"The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Community Wellness Level will be hub for physical activity and entertainment on campus, but its scope extends far beyond sport. It will be a space where lives are improved and relationships are built," said Brooks. "With Leslie and Scott's generous support, we are one step closer to building a stronger and healthier community - and we're deeply grateful for their partnership."
The Oulton-Stanish Centre is expected to open in January 2026.
