SARAH WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

On January 24^th, Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre (PEFAC) Board Member Sue Mathieu spoke to Prince Edward County Council requesting continued support of PEFAC.

“The County has committed to 4 years of financial support for the past three terms of Council, and we are requesting that this support continue for the next four years at the same level,” requested Mathieu. “County support has ensured sustainable operations and enabled us to leverage over $310,000 in capital funding from other levels of government and foundations, leading to the investment of over $500,000 to significantly upgrade our facilities in the past decade. These upgrades have been critical to our success in attracting more users and better serving county residents.”

PEFAC, as Mathieu explained, is a non-profit that as been operating for 17 years. It is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Facilities include: an indoor pool, a recently upgraded, fully-equipped weight-room and cardio space, two squash courts, studio space and a spin cycle room.

PADDLING ALONG Competitors in the 2019 Kids of Steel Triathlon get a helpful pointer during the swimming portion of the event held at PEFAC. (Sarah Williams/Gazette file photo)

Programs offered include: swimming lessons (60 kids in spring session, 90 in fall session), Swim to Survive (all Grade 3s), Public Swims, Master’s Swim and Group classes such as yoga and pilates.

PEFAC also offers summer and school break day camps, Home-Alone and First-Aid courses, and personal training among many other programs.

Apart from providing council with an overview of programs offered by PEFAC and the request before them, Mathieu provided some insight into the successes and challenges PEFAC as faced during the last four years.

Mathieu described the two years prior to the pandemic as being some of the best for PEFAC. She noted that, during this time, they completed renovations allowing for an expanded weight and cardio space, and a new lobby. Also during this time, as per Mathieu, memberships reached over 1,100 people with revenue having reached almost $700,000.

“This level of financial sustainability is unheard of in municipal facilities,” said Mathieu.

Mathieu further iterated that, before the pandemic, PEFAC’s biggest challenge was “accommodating all the demand”.

The Covid-19 pandemic signalled a change for PEFAC, with multiple closures in a two-year time span. In fact, Mathieu detailed four closures during this timespan. She also commented that many PEFAC members cancelled their membership during this time, naturally precipitating a loss of revenue. Ultimately, their revenue base went from $60,000 to between $12,000 and $15,000

“There was virtually no program revenue – some programs like day camps, group swimming lessons, did not operate for two years,” she said.

Mathieu described a multi-pronged approach to recovering from covid that, initially included increasing prices for programs and day users.

“PEFAC fees are still below or in line with what is charged elsewhere,” she assured council.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Mathieu noted they are back to full programming. In fact, PEFAC has acquired 160 new members, bringing the total to 600. Though, this is still 40 per cent below their peak before the pandemic.

PEFAC’s ongoing strategy includes additional short term member specials through the winter and spring, more communications to increase public awareness, careful monitoring of costs and possible further price increases should that be necessary.

Mathieu stressed the County’s help is imperative for PEFAC plan into the future. It’s also vital for helping PEFAC weather the effects of Covid-19.

“A multi-year commitment lets us plan and budget, and ensures continuity in our operations,” stated Mathieu. “Our request is the same as for the past four years …actually, lower, when inflation is factored in.”

All told, PEFAC is requesting $50,000 per year towards operations, particularly the pool with another  $20,000 per year toward capital equipment demands, including for the pool.

In questioning Mathieu, Councillor Phil St-Jean questioned whether PEFAC had any plans to buy the building they’re currently leasing.

“Do you have a plan moving forward to purchase the building you’re currently leasing?” he asked.

Mathieu replied that, due to the cost of real estate in the County, this would not be an affordable option for PEFAC.

“This is something we’ve discussed in past. I think with recent increases in real estate values in the County, it’s not something affordable for us. But the landlord is very generous with us,” expressed Mathieu. “We’re paying the same rent we have the last 17 year and the money you’ve given us has all gone toward equipment-assets that are moveable, should that be necessary.”

A Nieman/Prinzen amendment to allow PEFAC’s request to be included as part of the upcoming budget deliberations was passed by council.