PEIThe federal government has committed funding toward a wellness centre in Kings County. A local group is calling it a once-in-a-generation opportunity.Wellness centre to feature NHL-sized rink, library, walking trackRyan McKellop · CBC News · Posted: Nov 17, 2025 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 5 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Ottawa commits money for new wellness centre in eastern P.E.I.The federal government has budgeted money for a new wellness centre in Kings County. One group in Souris is calling it a generational move. CBC’s Connor Lamont has those details. Ottawa is committing money toward a wellness centre in Kings County, with one group calling it a once-in-a-generation move.Many people in Souris have said the area needs a new wellness centre. A local group called the SeaRoots Alliance has helped secure some federal money to make it a reality.Ashley Sherbanuk, a board member of Sea Roots, said the project is focused on community, recreation and learning.”We’re really excited to bring a wellness centre to our communities because we … kind of lack the infrastructure.”Sherbanuk said the final design hasn’t been completed. Consultation happened over the summer.She said the project includes an NHL-sized ice surface, a walking track, a library and a multi-use gym.She said this wellness centre would be a space that members of the community of all ages can use.Megan Cheverie, the treasurer of SeaRoots Alliance, called it a once-in-a-generation “opportunity for our community.”Megan Cheverie called the centre a once-in-a generation opportunity for the community. The project has been in the works for over two years. (Connor Lamont/CBC)”We’re just excited to have it and it should help … attract even more people into the area,” Cheverie said.Kent MacDonald, the MP for Cardigan, also called it an important investment.”To have a facility … that’s multi-faceted, that will be about learning, that will be about recreation, that will be about seniors’ facilities … that’s exciting.”Dennis McNally, another board member, was also feeling the excitement.”To have that kind of news certainly invigorates us,” he said.Dennis McNally says he’s eager to break ground for the facility, but he wants to ensure construction is not rushed. (Connor Lamont/CBC)McNally said he is always ready to break ground on this facility, though something of this size will take a lot of work, including choosing a location.”I keep a shovel in the back of my truck all the time just in case,” he said. “But the due diligence required for a facility of this magnitude is considerable.”ABOUT THE AUTHORRyan McKellop is a graduate of the Holland College journalism program and is working as an Associate Producer and Web Writer. Got a story idea? Email ryan.mckellop@cbc.caWith files from Connor Lamont
Federal government commits funding for new wellness centre in eastern P.E.I.
