North Saanich Pickleball Courts: Supporters of a judicial review into the closure of North Saanich’s Wain Road pickleball courts have withdrawn their request, shifting focus back to reopening the courts and discussing new facility options. One council member, Jack McClintock, now intends to revive the conversation about reopening the existing courts.
Legal Challenge Dropped, Reopening Discussed
A judicial review was initially set for Feb. 10 to determine if the North Saanich council followed proper procedures when it closed the courts on May 7, 2023, due to noise complaints. However, after a contentious Jan. 13 council meeting, proponents of the review withdrew their request.
McClintock, the only council member to oppose the motion at the Jan. 13 meeting, expressed his support for reopening the courts now that legal proceedings are no longer pending.
“Now it’s not before the courts, so the gates are open again. The arguments can be raised to reopen the pickleball courts.” – (McClintock told Capital Daily)
Controversy Over Distance and Noise
The Jan. 13 meeting focused on a proposal to build new pickleball courts at Blue Heron Park, a project estimated to cost $674,000.
Mayor Peter Jones introduced a motion requiring a resident survey for anyone living within 600 metres of the proposed site—a distance four times the standard recommended by acoustics guidelines.
Brad Watson, president of the Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association, noted that BAP Acoustics guidelines suggest sound mitigation is unnecessary beyond 150 metres. The group also highlighted that sound-absorption panels costing $35,000 to $50,000 could address noise concerns at Wain Park, where courts remain closed.
Heated Council Meeting
Tensions rose during the Jan. 13 council discussion. Frank Gee, a local pickleball advocate, interrupted the proceedings, criticizing the 600-metre survey requirement. “Six-hundred metres? Are you insane? Where the hell are you coming from?” he shouted before being reprimanded by Coun. Kristine Marshall, who warned him to stop or the meeting would recess.
Marshall later apologized to staff for the disruption, stating, “When we’re sitting in these chambers, whether we all agree or not, we are here to be respectful.” The motion ultimately passed 6-1, with McClintock dissenting.
A Shift in Strategy
The outburst played a role in the decision to drop the judicial review, as some believed it reinforced claims of aggressive behavior by pickleball supporters. “It just weakened the hand of the case against the mayor.” Watson said.
Brian Harrigan, a member of the group supporting Wain Park courts, noted that while emotions ran high, the community aims to find a resolution. “This is a small community. We want and need to live together.” he said.
“The primary reason for withdrawing, and I do wholeheartedly apologize, is my ‘outburst’ in council chambers.” – (gee)
Next Steps for Pickleball in North Saanich
While Jones has not signaled a willingness to revisit Wain Park’s closure, McClintock plans to push for reopening discussions. Gee, however, remains skeptical: “I don’t imagine Mayor Jones would even consider it.”
As the community continues debating the future of pickleball in North Saanich, the focus now shifts to whether a compromise can be reached to accommodate players and residents.
News in Brief: North Saanich Pickleball Courts
North Saanich pickleball supporters have dropped a legal challenge over the closure of Wain Road pickleball courts after a heated council meeting.
While the district considers building new pickleball courts, Coun. Jack McClintock aims to reopen the existing ones, though opposition remains from Mayor Peter Jones and some council members.
ALSO READ: North Saanich Pickleball Courts May Reopen After Legal Challenge
