No timeline to reopen city-owned fitness facility in North Kildonan after mould discovery

A city-run fitness centre that suddenly closed for repairs last October lacks a set date to reopen, while an investigation on how best to fix it is underway.

Peguis Trail Health and Fitness Centre in North Kildonan was first expected to welcome visitors back within a few weeks when it shut down due to plumbing problems on Oct. 28.

But in February, the city’s website noted a much later reopening date of Oct. 2 after mould was discovered when crews attempted to upgrade the floors.

The city has since hired a consultant to assess the site’s condition, determine what repairs must be done and estimate how much the work would cost, including mould abatement.

Since the repairs would likely come with a price, the city no longer expects to reopen the fitness centre in October and has no target date to do so, said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan).

“They’re going to come back with an update on what’s all required. I’m expecting the repair bill is going to require a capital (cost approval.) Hopefully that can be done expeditiously (within existing maintenance funds or) in the 2027 budget update,” said Browaty.

“We’ll have to see what the final number is… I do think we need a civic amenity in this area of the city. If, for some reason, the number is too big, I would look to do something elsewhere.”

The facility occupies the basement of Chief Peguis Middle School at 1400 Rothesay St. The school was constructed in 1969, and the fitness centre was built in 1996.

The facility, which has been operated by the city for at least 25 years, includes an indoor track, weight room and aerobics floor.

The closure began owing to a need to replace a septic tank and deal with “significant water infiltration,” according to the city’s website. Browaty said the mould was detected while removing floorboards.

“They did air testing and found levels of mould in the air that that were unacceptable,” he said.

The councillor said the school has a separate HVAC system and was not affected.

Browaty said some residents prefer the simple facility to other more updated gyms, comparing it to the former “Gritty Grotto” at the University of Manitoba, an underground gym that was known for its basic, dimly lit appearance.

The councillor said residents can be assured he will push to ensure Peguis Trail resumes operations, adding the city doesn’t plan to close it.

“It’s definitely taken longer (to reopen) than certain members of the community would like to see, myself included. But any rumours out there that the fate is already in on it (are) false. There are some people who think we’re trying to close it and trying to get rid of it. That is absolutely not the case,” he said.

Nourddine Moujoud, who lives within a five-minute walk of the fitness centre, said he and his family used it as an affordable form of recreation.

“We enjoyed (it). It was near us. There was no need to take a car. It was useful. The closure was a bit frustrating to us,” said Moujoud.

Michelle Keys, who used the fitness centre on and off for about 20 years, said the indoor track and the community members it attracted made it unique.

“Everyone kind of knew everyone there. If it reopened, I would be back. I would be the first one in the door. I’m really hoping (it will),” said Keys.

But after such a lengthy closure, she has her doubts.

“I think the community has been very patient and really voiced that it’s a well-used facility… I almost just try not to think about it anymore because it’s just so frustrating,” said Keys.

On Tuesday, some pages on the city’s website still listed an Oct. 2 estimated reopening date, while at least one other page stated there is “no confirmed timeline on when the facility will reopen.”

In an email, city spokeswoman Pam McKenzie said the consultant’s report is expected later this fall.

“Once the assessment is completed, we will review the findings with the River East Transcona School Division, which owns the building. Any repair work would be subject to (city) council’s approval of the project and funding,” McKenzie wrote.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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