Despite a lukewarm response from Council, Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre is hoping for support from the municipality as it faces the sale of its building. 

PEFAC spokesperson Sue Mathieu asked the Committee of the Whole last month to ensure the stability of PEFAC’s operations at its current location. She asked that the recreation centre be declared a Project of Community Interest as it begins fundraising. The designation allows the municipality to issue tax receipts on PEFAC’s behalf.

But the request was was referred back to the Director of Finance. 

PEFAC is the County’s only public pool and large-scale gym. The municipality makes an annual contribution of $70,000, about a tenth what it would cost the municipality to operate its own pool. Without the complex, the County would need to expand the Wellington and District Community Centre. 

In July, Jonathan Hack, Manager of Sierra Planning and Management, presented the County’s 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan to Council. That plan canvassed a new pool within a second ice pad and/or a gymnasium complex to create a multi-use recreation centre with both indoor and outdoor amenities in Wellington. 

While Sierra did not give a price tag, a similar expansion in Loyalist Township suggests about $10 million. 

Mr. Hack noted the County gets very good value for its annual contribution to PEFAC, and said it represents about a tenth of what it would cost the municipality to run its own pool.

The Backstory

As first reported in the Gazette last month, PEFAC’s building is on the market for $4.6 million, listed by the Lester family as part of an estate settlement.     PEFAC wants one day to own as well as operate an aquatic, fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Prince Edward County. In light of the estate sale, the Board wants to start fundraising for the building purchase and to apply for grants.

“This facility will be supported by its users and community organizations, together with a significant municipal contribution. It will provide facilities and services for all residents and visitors to our community, regardless of age, gender, income level, culture, sexual orientation and physical abilities,” noted Ms. Mathieu. 

In July, PEFAC hit an all-time high of 1300 members. The facility saw 94,000 site visits in 2024-25, an increase of 3 percent over the previous year. The complex hosted The Kids of Steel Triathlon in June. PEFAC also has new agreements with the County School of Dance and the County Dolphins competitive swim team.

Daily Aqua Fit classes are nearly at capacity each morning and public swimming is offered weekly, with Toonie Public Swims, aimed at families, slated once a month. Its Swim to Survive water safety education program is delivered to Grade 3 children from all seven publicly funded elementary schools in the County.

Rent Hikes

PEFAC faces a significant rent increase effective February 1. It will need an increase in municipal funding to cover the hike.  

But for some councillors, the requests were dead on arrival. Chris Braney fretted about more and more groups coming forward, asking for a Project of Public Interest designation. 

“The municipality is on a slippery slope when it comes to the volume of Community Interest Projects,” he noted, adding the designation ties up municipal staff and resources.

“I believe if PEFAC is going to continue on, it should do so with private interest.” The Councillor added he’s hopeful the County will divest itself of surplus buildings to set aside a “nest egg” to fund recreation.

But he said he wouldn’t be able to support any increase to the PEFAC funding envelope come budget time.

Councillor Maynard asked Ms. Mathieu if the group had spoken to the YMCA about a partnership. Ms. Mathieu noted the Y is involved in a replacement build in Belleville, a $27 million project funded by three levels of government, including $9 million from the federal government; $7.5 million from the province; and $1 million from the City of Belleville. The balance must come from local fundraising. Meanwhile a $14 million YMCA building in Quinte West was funded in 2009 both by public funding and fundraising. The City owns and maintains the building while the YMCA operates it.

The matter is expected to return to the Committee.