Weeks-long closure turns into year for North Kildonan city-run gym

The abrupt closure of a city-run fitness centre in North Kildonan has been extended to almost a full year after several problems, including mould, were discovered.

Peguis Trail Health and Fitness Centre members said they were told the facility would be shut for a few weeks starting Oct. 28, 2025, but the estimated reopening date was repeatedly pushed back.

The city’s website says the centre is expected to reopen Oct. 2.

“As of (last) Thursday, I planned to be there forever,” Jeff Vince, a member for the last 23 years, said of when he learned of the latest extension. “It’s a great facility.”

Several members told the Free Press the closure raised questions about the Peguis Trail’s long-term future, and the maintenance of public facilities.

Peguis Trail is located in Chief Peguis Middle School’s basement, at 1400 Rothesay St. The school, part of River East Transcona School Division, was built in 1969.

The fitness centre, operated by the city since 2001, has an indoor track, which offers free walks for seniors in winter, a weight room and an aerobics floor.

City spokeswoman Pam McKenzie said Peguis Trail initially closed to address a plumbing issue.

“We identified the septic tank needed to be replaced under warranty,” she said in a statement. “We also needed to assess the ground conditions due to water infiltration.”

Mould was found during work to grade the flooring around the track in early January. Significant abatement work was required, McKenzie said.

“While we don’t yet have a cost or timeline for the closure, we are exploring all solutions to repair and safely reopen the facility,” she said.

North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty said the city temporarily closed the facility for upgrades last summer. It usually closed for a day or two for unscheduled work a few times a year.

“One of the challenges is because it’s so far underground, they need to use a pump for (wastewater) to get it to the level of the city’s sewer pipe,” Browaty said. “Every once in a while it gets clogged and backed up, and it requires maintenance.”

The pump struggles when wipes or other objects are flushed into toilets, he said.

Browaty said he was told plywood that covers the floor had “significant amounts of seepage,” with a “fair bit of mould” discovered.

“I really truly hope that we are able to find a way to get the facility reopened,” he said.

Browaty sought an update from city staff after gym users asked why the closure was extended. In a Facebook group he oversees, Browaty apologized for what he described as “terrible communications” from the city.

The city should have proactively given an explanation to the wider public, as well as refunds to pass holders, he said.

McKenzie said pass holders received emails, a notice was posted on the facility’s doors and the city’s website was updated with closure dates.

She said Peguis Trail memberships can be used at other city facilities. If not an option, people can call 311 to request a refund. Peguis Trail staff are working at other locations.

Vince, 78, joined Peguis Trail to stay active in retirement. He estimated he’s run more than 100,000 laps of the track, averaging seven miles per visit.

Vince, who’s completed 70 full marathons, has been driving to facilities across Winnipeg — some city-run, some private — to train indoors this winter.

Peguis Trail members said Winnipeg lacks indoor tracks. Those who spoke to the Free Press said they miss socializing with fellow gym users and staff.

“There’s an awful lot of good people,” Vince said.

Members said the windowless space is large but old, with quirks such as an uneven floor. Some call it a “dungeon.”

Vince said Peguis Trail users successfully lobbied the city to keep the facility open after proposed budget cuts left it slated for closure in 2021.

“It’s aesthetically very minimal. It’s like going into your grandma’s basement — it’s bare bones,” said Michelle Keys, who used the facility for decades.

Keys hopes to return to Peguis Trail in October. For now, she has joined a private gym that is more expensive and further from home.

“(The closure) is impacting so many people. There is no other city-run facility in the area,” Keys said.

Dallas Orysiuk, who’s been using the gym for more than 10 years, is hoping to get a refund for the year’s membership he bought about a month before the closure.

He is looking for a new gym to join, but wants to return to Peguis Trail in October.

“It was a good community, close to home, affordable and a great place to stay healthy and fit,” Orysiuk said.

Laura, who asked that her last name be withheld, attended fitness classes at Peguis Trail for about two years.

She attended a couple more classes when they moved to River East Arena, but decided to seek a refund and join a private gym, where she said she is paying less for the same services.

“I didn’t mind paying the fees because they’re being reinvested into city services,” said Laura, who doesn’t think she will return when Peguis Trail reopens.

“You’re paying sometimes less at corporate or private gyms, and they’re much better maintained.”

For adults, the city charges $198.72 for a six-month pass and $368.54 for a year at Peguis Trail. Seniors and children are eligible for discounts.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca