Three local organizations funded in part by the County made deputations to the Committee of the Whole last month to make a pitch for a line in the 2024 municipal budget. Deliberations start this week.

THE ROC YOUTH SERVICES

After 23 years of supporting Prince Edward County youth, the organization is attempting to manage “the most intensive needs in the agency’s history,” as Hillary Fennell put it. The needs of youth even a decade ago look very different post-pandemic. According to Statistics Canada, only 40 per cent of young people aged 15-24 reported their mental health to be “good” in 2020, down from 60 per cent the year before. According to the County’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, lower graduation rates, rising substance abuse and school disengagement remain a cause for concern among County youth.To maintain a safe space and engage and retain trained staff at this critical time, the ROC requested $90,000 for the remaining term of council to support operations and and assist in providing vital programs and services for local youth.

THE SOPHIASBURGH SPLASH- Students from Sophaisburgh Central School take the plunge in 2019 as part of PEFAC’s Swim to Survive program. (Gazette file photo)

PRINCE EDWARD LEARNING CENTRE

PELC executive director Kathy Kennedy spoke in support of the organization’s Financial Empowerment Program, which helps local residents to access the money, programs and services they are entitled to. This increase in household income allows residents to pay for basic necessities (housing, food, water bills, property tax, personal care, medication and any other unexpected bills or costs).

“We create a safe space to reduce the stigma around money, taxes, and benefits,” Ms Kennedy said. “We educate and teach financial literacy.”

PELC is requesting $80,000 for each of the next three years to support 1.75 staff, and coordination of nine volunteers.

Ms. Kennedy noted that nearly $10 million has returned to residents and the community by way of tax refunds, and benefit applications. The program is closely aligned with the Community Safety and Wellbeing and the Greater Than Youth Collective calls to action.

PRINCE EDWARD FITNESS AND AQUATIC CENTRE

Sue Mathieu, a Director on PEFAC’s board, offered committee members a look at the organization’s key performance indicators. She noted an ongoing membership drive has attracted 193 new annual members as of November. There are 1,041 members, just over 100 shy of the high water mark reached in August 2019. Demand for swimming lessons and personal training is high. The Quinte Dolphins Swim Club returns to PEFAC in September 2024, following a restructuring of the team.

Despite increasing membership rates, Ms. Mathieu noted that operational costs are also on the rise. PEFAC’s building insurance costs have doubled due to a re-valuing of the building. Repairs to the roof and boiler were required. Minimum wage increases are another expense.

“PEFAC was able to sustain operations during COVID and immediately thereafter thanks to provincial and federal support. Like many other small businesses, though, we are still recovering from the impacts of COVID while dealing with increased costs in almost every aspect of our operation,” Ms. Mathieu said. “The County’s ongoing $70,000 support is critical to our ongoing sustainable operations, and we respectfully request that this sum be included in your budget.”

During 2023, PEFAC’s request came as part of a four-year ask and was approved, meaning council would need to make a motion to remove or alter their budgeted commitment to the organization in 2024.