Qualicum Beach council is considering converting the third tennis court on Veteran’s Way into four pickleball courts.
Coun. Anne Skipsey informed council, at its regular meeting on Sept. 17, the cost to construct new pickleball courts adjacent to the Qualicum Beach Skatepark would be double the original estimate of $170,000 first quoted in 2024. They will face an estimated cost of $351,000 or more down the road.
Council has already allocated $87,000 to build the courts with the condition the Qualicum Beach Pickleball Club would raise a matching amount before the project could be proceed. With the cost now escalating, there was a staff recommendation for council to add more funds to the project but before they could vote on the motion, an alternative is now being sought.
She also pointed out the length for the pickleball courts might require removal of the newly created pathway at the skatepark or an adjustment of the access road.
Skipsey and Mayor Teunis Westbroek met with two members of the pickleball club at the tennis courts to look at the possibility of turning the third court into four pickleball courts.
The property where the tennis courts are currently located could potentially be used for longterm housing development. Westbroek explained if that happens, the tennis courts eventually would have to be relocated. He said “it makes sense” to look at turning the one tennis court into four pickleball courts.
“I think this is a reasonable compromise, because clearing the site also has complications, ” said Westbroek. “And I think, this is probably the best solution we’ve come up with and particularly from a financial perspective.”
Westbroek said the club has already raised between $62,000 to $65,000 which they were informed would possibly be the cost to convert the one court to four pickleball courts. The club indicated its willingness to help pay for the conversion. Westbroek expects the club to pay for the whole thing.
Skipsey made a motion for council to direct staff to investigate the advisability and feasibility of converting the current third tennis court and adjacent space into four pickleball courts with the findings to be considered by council during its strategic planning.
Coun. Petronella Vander Valk raised concerns about the noise from pickleball impacting the surrounding neighbours in the area. Westbroek said the club has held events there but has not received any complaints about the noise. He doesn’t feel it would be an issue.
Coun. Scott Harrison said he prefers designated pickleball courts for the club at the community park but will wait for staff report about the feasibility studies it will conduct. He pointed out the club has already raised the money and if it would require more, he considers it to be a good investment as there are a lot of pickleball players in the community.
“I’d rather see that project done in a couple of years,” said Harrison. “It’s unfortunate it’s not available but at the end of the day, what we’re really voting on is to refer to strategic planning and nothing else.”
Skipsey’s motion was unanimously endorsed by council.