Toe into the pool

Packed chambers urge council to save fitness centre

Council has agreed to designate the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre (PEFAC) as a project of community interest. It is meant to assist PEFAC in raising money (by issuing charitable receipts) to enable it to purchase the building and fund its future operations.

Council stopped short of granting PEFAC’s second request, upping its annual contribution to the fitness centre by $100,000. A final decision was put off to budget discussions underway this week.

Currently, the municipality contributes $70,000 each year to PEFAC. The board is asking for the County’s contribution to jump to $175,000.

The matter has taken on some urgency as the property is currently for sale. It is listed at $4.6 million

“We don’t know how long it will be before someone else makes an offer, so time is of the essence,” said Sue Matthieu, on behalf of the PEFAC board. “And if the facility closes, we are looking at $20-plus million, and 10 or 15 years before we can replace it.”

PEFAC’s lease contains a 60-day right of first refusal to match any incoming offer— helpful, but only if the organization can raise funding quickly.

The centre expects increased operating costs in 2026 and anticipates a projected operating loss of roughly $165,000. While PEFAC anticipates revenues to reach $850,000 next year, costs are estimated at over $1 million.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DOG CATCHES THE CAR?
Council members wanted to see a plan for how the facility might function and how it would be managed and governed. After all, there is a big difference between subsidizing the operation of a fitness facility and owning, operating, and maintaining the former bus station surrounding land on Picton’s Main Street and commercial core.

Would the YMCA consider running the facility? It was a question explored the last time this facility was at a crossroads 20 years ago. The answer then and now was a polite but firm no.

YMCA told us they are not interested in operating an older building like PEFAC,” explained Matthieu. “Usually, they come in at the invitation of a municipality, and it involves the municipality assisting with construction and operating costs. They would not be interested in purchasing or operating an older building like ours,” Mathieu confirmed.

MEMBERS HAVE THEIR SAY
Tuesday’s meeting saw a large turnout of PEFAC members and supporters. Residents packed the chamber, with overflow crowds filling adjacent rooms. Ten residents spoke in person, and more than 100 submitted letters of support. PEFAC also arrived with petitions carrying 2,500 signatures, including 600 from its own members.

The testimonials ranged from youth to seniors, longtime members to recent joiners.

Basil, a local youth who uses the centre nearly every day, told council, “The County does not have a lot for the youth to do. PEFAC isn’t just a gym; it’s a place of progress, positivity and purpose. If we lose PEFAC, we have literally nothing left.”

Eighty-seven-year-old David Edward spoke of the aquafit program he attends four times a week. “PEFAC is the only facility in the County that can accommodate us seniors with mobility issues like I have,” he said.

Dr. Stephen Blanchard addressed the importance of the pool for child safety and over all community health. “Our pool is not optional,” he said. “It is an essential public health preventive resource and is critical for a healthy and growing community.”

FIX OLD OR BUILD NEW?
Councillor Janice Maynard wanted to know about the long-term capital costs of maintaining the aging facility and whether it made sense to invest in upgrades rather than a new build. Mathieu said the site allows for expansion and redevelopment while keeping the centre operational—something a new build could not achieve without disrupting service for years.

The project of community interest designation will be in place for 18 months. Under this designation, the municipality will administer charitable donations directed to PEFAC. The fitness and aquatics centre intends to continue pursuing its own charitable status, a process expected to take about one year.