In a September 1 email Board Chair Art Knight told over 1000 members of PEFAC that the owners of the building intend to put the property up for sale immediately.

The PEFAC site is owned by DF Automotive, which belongs to the Lester Family. According to Mr. Knight, the decision to sell the property is a business decision of DF Automotive and the Lester Family, related to settlement of an estate.

In the mid 1980’s, the Lesters transitioned a former commercial vehicle terminal into the RecPlex, a state-of-the-art fitness complex complete with a junior Olympic swimming pool, squash courts, weight room, and aerobics studio. The facility was dedicated to young Bobby Lester, who succumbed to cancer in the late 1970s.

In 2005, the family leased the complex to a volunteer Board of Directors, which created Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic. Since that time, the aquatic and fitness facility has offered recreational, therapeutic and social opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and income levels. 

PEFAC is a not-for-profit and supports the health of the community by providing a swimming pool and fitness facility. It charges for annual membership fees, and for day visits, group, and event bookings. 

The County grants the facility $70,000 a year, supplying about 7 percent of PEFAC’s operating costs. The 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan notes the County gets excellent value for its annual contribution to PEFAC. Its investment represents about a tenth of what it would cost the municipality to run its own pool.

Long Term Plans

PEFAC’s lease gives the Board a 60-day “right of first refusal” to match any offer to purchase. 

Board Secretary Sue Mathieu noted in an April report to Council that the Board’s  plans included eventual site ownership. But PEFAC needs financial support from a number of sources to realize that vision.

For now, the Board’s working assumption is that PEFAC will continue to operate at its current location. In a worst-case scenario, where a new owner purchases the building with other plans for the property, PEFAC could close. Members who paid in full for their membership would be refunded a proportional amount.

A source close to the Lester Family confirmed placing the asset on the market is related to the settling of an estate matter. They also stated the Lesters wanted PEFAC to buy the property.

Mr. Knight said the Board is in active discussions with the owners regarding changes to PEFAC’s lease agreement, as well as the sale of the building.

“As we move forward, our goal is to maintain our current level of service at our present location while planning for long-term stability,” he said.

A Success Story

PEFAC’s operations have been a post-COVID success story. In April, Ms. Mathieu reported to Council that it tallied the highest membership ever recorded in July 2024, with 1,185 members. Membership was low as 795 in October of 2022. 

Non-member users, such as day pass holders, program participants, and public swimmers, are also on the rise.