Layoffs, closed canteen could be just beginning for Cornwall's APM Centre

The APM Centre, a recreational facility in Cornwall that serves 13 communities west and north of Charlottetown, is anticipating its first loss in 18 years of operation, though the general manager says she still is going to try to break even.

The centre receives no municipal funding. The only revenue is from memberships and fees on rentals. Both are down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We were fortunate enough that the wage subsidy allowed us to maintain three staff on salary," general manager Donna Butler told Island Morning host Laura Chapin.

Two full-time staff have been laid off, as have several part-time staff. The canteen is closed, and canteen staff are instead ensuring that members and visitors respect COVID-19 protocols. 

Butler said the centre lost $93,000 in revenue in the fiscal year ending June 30, but that was made up by a drop in expenses, including heat and electricity, and $37,000 in COVID wage subsidies from Ottawa. Butler said that's how the centre was able to have a small surplus last year of $8577.

"The next fiscal year will be very tough."

She said there has been a drop of revenue of about $40,000 so far in the current fiscal year, and there are still expenses because the centre is open and running some of its regular programming. 

"We've never budgeted a loss, but we are projecting that we will have a loss" in this fiscal year, but Butler said surplus money set aside over previous years will be used to cover those losses.

However, she said if the pandemic drags on other options will have to be explored. The centre may have to change more services and fees.

Butler will be presenting the APM Centre annual report to the board of directors on Thursday.

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