Prince Edward County Council has agreed to increase the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre’s grant by charitable donations after Council heard from many users and supporters of the facility.
PEFAC first approached municipal staff in early 2025 to begin discussions about the long-term future of the centre. At the time, the PEFAC board was exploring the feasibility of purchasing the property and upgrading the facility. This planning process became more urgent in August 2025 when the owners of the property listed the land and building for sale. PEFAC’s goal remains unchanged: to purchase the property and continue operating at its current location. However, the timeline to secure a solution has now become more pressing.
One of the key challenges PEFAC faces is its status as a non-profit organization that is not a registered charity. This means it cannot issue charitable tax receipts, which limits its ability to launch a capital fundraising campaign.
To address this, PEFAC made a deputation to Committee of the Whole on September 25, 2025, requesting designation as a “Project of Community Interest” under the municipal Donations Policy. This designation would allow the municipality to draw up an agreement with PEFAC to receive charitable donations in support of the property purchase and issue official tax receipts to donors.
Staff recommended that Council approve PEFAC’s request for designation as a Project of Community Interest (POCI), recognizing the organization’s longstanding role in delivering recreational services that may be expected of a municipality.
The potential loss of this facility would have a significant impact on the community. PEFAC supports early childhood development through swim lessons, promotes healthy aging with senior-focused fitness programs, and offers inclusive spaces for people to engage in physical activity and social connection. For youth, PEFAC provides a safe, affordable, welcoming space for them not just to work out, but to build friendships and engage in healthy routines. In a community where recreational options for teens and young adults are limited, PEFAC plays a vital role in offering alternatives to less constructive behaviours, helping foster a sense of belonging, confidence and wellbeing. Beyond recreation, the facility contributes to broader community goals: PEFAC membership is a perk offered in physician recruitment, it serves as a fitness facility for firefighters, and provides essential water safety education through the Swim to Survive program.
These community benefits would not be easily, quickly or cheaply replaced by the municipality or other partners. Designating the project as a POCI would allow the municipality to support PEFAC’s efforts to secure its future at its current location, without committing financial resources beyond the existing Excpetional Funding Parntership (EFP).
On April 29, 2025, the Municipality and PEFAC entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) regarding an Exceptional Funding Partnership (“EFP”) grant which provides PEFAC $70,000 annually in 2025 and 2026.
One motion was brought forward by Councillor Nieman, seconded by Councillor Hirsch, that the Exceptional Funding Partnership Agreement be revised to direct all 2026 funding to support PEFAC’s general operations, which was carried. The $70,000 was originally intended to be $50,000 for operations and $20,000 being restricted to capital.
An additional motion was brought forward by Councillor Hirsch, seconded by Councillor MacNaughton, that $100,000 be included for consideration in the 2026 operating budget as an additional allocation to the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre, which was also carried.
The topic will be up for discussion at the County’s budget meeting next week.
