On Saturday morning, January 24th, the community came together to celebrate the official opening of the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Port Elgin at the Splish Splash Thank You Bash, a grand opening celebration dedicated to recognizing the donors, sponsors, and partners who made the state-of-the-art facility possible.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau made a splash at the event —literally—by christening the new pool with the first cannonball!
For larger view, click on image
For larger view, click on image
Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was also there to officially acknowledge the work that the Town has done with the $100,600 Capital Grant that it received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) last summer. Funds from the OTF grant were used to purchase gymnasium equipment, as well as sports equipment for pickle-ball, volleyball, floor hockey and badminton, in addition to accessible aquatic equipment.
Left to right: Allison Taylor-Misener, AWC Fundraising Lead; Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau; MPP Lisa Thompson; Rob Stanley, AWC Fundraising Coordinator
“The opening of the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC) marks a proud moment for this community and reflects a shared commitment to health, inclusion, and active living”, said MPP Thompson. “With a $100,600 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, important investments were made in gymnasium equipment, multi-sport programming, and accessible aquatic features. These enhancements help ensure the centre is welcoming and usable for people of all ages and abilities, and I want to thank everyone whose dedication and hard work made this outstanding facility possible.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects taht aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. (Visit otf.ca to learn more)
“This is an incredible day for Saugeen Shores,” said Mayor Charbonneau. “The Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre represents years of planning and collaboration, and it’s amazing to see this vision come to life. I want to thank our sponsors, donors, staff, and the entire community for making this possible.”
Many of the donors also attended the event including John Peevers representing Bruce Power, Brad Pryde, Chantry Island Cham-bettes, Barry’s Construction, Cathy O’Hagan of E. S. Fox and many others.
Pryde and his wife, Kathy, were one of the first major donors and, with a one million dollar donation, the Centre now bears the family name – the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre. “Wellness isn’t just about fitness or medical care,” said Pryde, it’s about giving people places to move, to connect, to heal and to feel part of a community. When we create those spaces, we support people in every stage of life. We look forward to seeing how this centre will enrich lives for generations to come.” The Prydes also own and operate the PRANCE therapeutic riding facility for children with physical and mental challenges.
Vice-Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt also pointed out that in 2002 Saugeen Shores had a trail system of 25 KM and today there are now over 50 Km and that Brad Pryde played a pivotal role in the development of trails that are now maintained by the Saugeen Rail Trail Association.
In addition to the generous donation to the AWC, the Prydes have also bequeathed over 90 acres of woodlands to the town that will be conserved and free of housing development for future generations.
Mural painting
The public enjoyed an open house where they took part in a variety of family-friendly activities, refreshments, posed at the photo booth, and explored the new facility. One of the highlights was the Community Mural Painting, where participants painted individual tiles that will come together to form a vibrant mural symbolizing community spirit and collaboration. Attendees also had the chance to enter a draw for a one-year All Access Active Pass membership.
“This facility will serve our community for generations, promoting health, wellness, and connection,” said Mayor Charbonneau. “It’s more than a building. It’s a place where people of all ages and abilities can come together.”
The Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre is designed to be a regional hub for recreation and wellness, offering an 8-lane competition pool, leisure pool, fitness centre, walking track, gymnasium, and multi-purpose program rooms to serve people of all ages and abilities.
Among those users most excited is the Breakers Swim Team of Saugeen Shores. The Club had been using the Centennial pool located at the local high school but had long since outgrown the facility.
Construction of the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre is a major initiative for the Town’s Community Services Department, as outlined in the Saugeen Shores 2025 Business Plan.
The Centre will open for regular operational hours on Monday, January 26 beginning at 6:00 a.m. For more information about hours, programs, and memberships, visit www.saugeenshores.ca/PrydeAWC.
