Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau does a ceremonial cannonball into the pool at the new Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC) in Saugeen Shores.
Jane Glenn | January 25, 2026
“We did it!” exclaimed Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt to a full house at the “Splish Splash Thank You Bash” Saturday, the grand opening of the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC). The celebratory event offered facility tours and activities, after the much-anticipated inaugural ‘cannonball’ by Mayor of Saugeen Shores, Luke Charbonneau.
The AWC, which has been years in the making, is replacing Port Elgin’s Centennial Pool. The facility houses an eight-lane pool as well as a warm-water leisure pool, fitness centre, steam room, an indoor track and dual gymnasiums. It will offer a diverse range of aquatic classes and fitness programs for all ages, many of which are on a drop-in basis, such as pickleball, basketball, badminton and tennis.
The event grand opening event was a way to invite the public in for a tour, but to also thank the many donors who made it possible. The facility is named after Brad and Kathy Pryde, who got the ball rolling with a one-million-dollar donation. Mr. Pryde spoke to the audience and said that it was “built not just for physical fitness... but for community wellness and to enrich the lives of generations to come.”
The Prydes are well-known in Saugeen Shores for their many contributions to the community including establishing the trail system and P.R.A.N.C.E, the therapeutic Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians. Recently, the Prydes bequeathed 90 acres of land north of Concession 10 to the municipality.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Lisa Thompson was present, saying the AWC will be a “pillar for generations to come.” The Trillium Foundation assisted the project with a grant “to help with finishing touches.”
“Moments like these don’t come very often,” said John Peevers, Director of Community, Media and Economic Development for Bruce Power, another major donor. “Something like this takes courage, there are always naysayers,” he said. Peevers noted that “you hear about the loneliness epidemic," remarking how the centre will not only benefit physical health, but also mental health.
A vibrant mural, created by Saugeen First Nation Artist Jeannette Ladd, greets visitors as the enter the facility. The mural depicts the four seasons, which “represent teachers” in her culture, to remind that “everything is connected, change is a part of life," and as we move through the seasons of our own lives Ladd wished her art to offer a moment of connection.
Jeff Horseman, President and Coach of the Breakers Swim Team also spoke of change, looking back at the now 50-year-old Centennial Pool. Prior to opening in 1975, the Breakers trained in Lake Huron near the break wall. He said that he himself had learned how to swim at the pool and that at the time, it was seen as a “jewel” in the region. The Breakers are the “only group to call Centennial Pool home for 50 years. Horseman was emotional as he finished, saying “Centennial Pool has done its job and it’s time to let her rest.”
Following the speeches, Mayor Charbonneau invited attendees to move to the viewing gallery, donned his swim trunks and joined the Breakers on the deck of their new home and as promised, christened the pool with a ceremonial cannonball.
For program information, visit saugeenshores.ca/en/explore-and-play/pryde-aquatic-and-wellness-centre.aspx.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau, flanked by members of the Breakers Swim Team, readies himself for a ceremonial cannonball at the welcome bash Saturday.
Community members, delegates, and would-be swimmers gather for the grand opening of the long-awaited Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Saugeen Shores.
