Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic has won the right to fundraise under the Project of Community Interest tax umbrella, which makes donors eligible for tax receipts issued by the municipality.

After a massive show of support by PEFAC patrons at last week’s Council meeting, Councillors also pledged to consider more than doubling its funding, from $70,000 to $160-175,000, in next week’s budget debates.

The unrecorded vote was almost unanimous.  Councillor Bill Roberts abstained from the vote citing a conflict of interest: he is a PEFAC member. 

Council also voted to ease its funding restrictions. Previously, funding was split, with $50,000 earmarked for operational needs and $20,000 for capital requirements. Moving forward, PEFAC will be able to allocate municipal grant money where it wants.

The evening was a win for the 50-plus PEFAC supporters who filled the Shire Hall Gallery and committee room. Nine supporters spoke about how vital the facility has been to them. Both the young and young at heart spoke in support.

For students like Basil Mayall, PEFAC offers the young athlete a physical outlet in a community with limited options for recreation. For retirees like David Edward, PEFAC’s Aqua Fit class is the only local low impact exercise program he can participate in. The formerly active senior, who enjoyed tennis and other outdoor activities, the pool provided a new lease on life. 

An outpouring of supportive letters and comments from PEFAC members and health advocates went to councillors after a September vote to send PEFAC’s Project of Community Interest proposal back to staff. PEFAC spokesperson Sue Mathieu presented 2,500 signatures on petitions from all corners of the County.

Councillor John Hirsch noted that when major issues arise, councillors are inundated with emails, generally form letters. PEFAC members drove their point home with heartfelt letters. 

“You’ve all told us your personal stories about why PEFAC is so important to you, how it’s supported you in your recovery,” he said, adding he supported the organization’s request. “It’s all been fascinating.”

Ms. Mathieu said in her deputation that attracting the YMCA to Prince Edward County was a non-starter. The company expects to be invited by a municipality prepared to assist with construction and operating costs. The city donated the land plus $1 million in services for YMCA’s new $30 million Belleville project.

In terms of PEFAC’s members, Ms. Mathieu noted over 1,000 come from Picton and the Bloomfield/Hallowell area. Wellington, Sophiasburgh, and North Marysburgh host around 100 members per ward.

Councillor Sam Grosso asked about the listed price of the building, $4.6 million. Ms. Mathieu said PEFAC has completed an appraisal indicating the value is lower, and is continuing to negotiate. A vendor take-back mortgage is a possible option. Gaining Community Interest and not-for-profit status are steps on the path to facility ownership. 

While the facility genetated $800,000 in revenues this year, it faces a $165,000 deficit.

“We are facing a lot of operational pressures and cost,” PEFAC board member Manny Dowuona said, pointing to increases in rent, water and wastewater rates, electricity, maintenance, staffing, and the legal costs of seeking charitable status. 

“If we can’t address these challenges in the short term, they pose a threat to PEFAC remaining open.”

Councillor Roy Pennell said he appreciated answers to his previous questions on membership breakdown and the mass of correspondence in support of PEFAC. 

“You see we get several requests for grant money and we are facing an extremely high increase at budget time this year. 

“I would ask everyone here tonight to send us another email and tell us where you think we might be able to cut back so we can send you even more money,” he said.