NRMH Parents,

We are writing to provide an update on the APM Centre expansion project. After nearly five years of dedicated work, we regret to inform you that this group will no longer be pursuing this initiative. We simply do not have the support from those that are in a position to move this project forward, even though we have a great deal of support from the residents. This decision was not made lightly and follows extensive discussions, studies, and community engagement.

Why We Are No Longer Pursuing the Project Ownership Model:

The current ownership structure of the APM Centre presents significant challenges for an expansion to take place. We have not identified a viable path forward under this ownership model. The APM centre is owned and run by the Communities 13 Inc Board who represents all the residents of the 13 Communities.  The APM board members are listed at the bottom of this page. - http://www.apmcentre.com/

Lack of Provincial and Municipal Commitment: Despite community, provincial and federal support, we were unable to receive financial commitment from the Province or our 8 communities even though discussions were very positive with both groups.

Why We Took On This Project

Our community’s needs are growing, and the vision for the APM Centre expansion was built around addressing these key issues:

Overcapacity at Current Facility: NRMHA is the second-largest minor hockey association in the province with over 600 registrations but only has one ice surface. This limits ice time not only for hockey, but also for figure skating, ringette, learn-to-skate programs, and recreational hockey.

Rapid Population Growth: Since 2001, Cornwall’s population has increased by 49%. With over 16,000 residents in our 8 communities, we now exceed the population of Summerside, which supports three ice surfaces.

Demand for a Multi-Use Facility: Residents have expressed strong interest in a facility that includes a second ice surface, a larger gym, squash and pickleball courts, seniors’ space, an expanded exercise room and expanded walking track, child care and after-school programming space, and a local sports store. The expanded facility would also allow for community events such as farmers markets and tournaments, which in turn generate economic benefits for the area..

Land Availability and Planning: The land for expansion is already available. The original design of the APM Centre included provisions for growth, and the Town of Cornwall’s Master Plan supports future expansion.

What We’ve Accomplished

Since initiating this project in fall 2021, we’ve made significant progress:

Secured a $5 million commitment from the Federal Government with the support of Hon. Heath MacDonald.  We also understand that more Federal Funding would be needed.

Conducted and completed a Feasibility Study by Firland Management in 2023 that indicated a 2nd ice surface is needed.
 

Met with each of the eight town councils that co-own the APM Centre; all expressed support for the expansion.

Held numerous discussions with key stakeholders, including MLAs Hon. Mark McLane and Hon. Zack Bell and MP Hon. Heath MacDonald.

Organized a community meeting in May 2023, which saw a strong turnout and broad public support. At this meeting we provided drawings and a cost breakdown for the project.

Received letters of support from:

PEI’s four Federal Senators: Hon Brian Francis, Hon Percy Downe, Hon Jane MacAdam and Hon Mary Robinson.

MP Heath MacDonald

Chief Junior Gould

NRMHA and Wildcats Minor Hockey Associations

Ringette PEI

Squash PEI

Pickleball PEI

Lacrosse PEI

What Needs to Happen Next

While our group has decided to step back, we believe this project still has great potential. For any group or individual interested in taking the lead, we offer three key recommendations:

Attend the Next Communities 13 Inc. AGM which will take place in the fall.

Encourage residents and users of the facility to attend and show support for expanding the APM Centre. As residents of the “13” Communities, you are owners of this facility and have a voice at the AGM. 

Explore Changes in Ownership and Governance

The Governance model that is currently in place makes it challenging for this type of project to move forward.  We would encourage the 8 communities to work together and discuss the pros and cons of having one of the eight communities take the lead and be a “Champion” for  this project. Discuss if it would be beneficial to have ownership transferred to one community as was discussed at the town meeting.

Additionally, the project will require a financial commitment from both the Province and the Municipalities.

Final Thoughts

We are incredibly proud of the groundwork we’ve laid and the broad community support we’ve received. If any individuals or groups are interested in continuing this effort, we would be happy to share our findings, documentation, and lessons learned.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Sincerely,

Rob MacAdam, Tim Hamel, Christopher Drummond, Mark White, Scott Cameron and Trevor MacNeill