Legal Battle Over North Saanich Pickleball Courts: A group of dedicated pickleball players has taken their fight to the B.C. Supreme Court in a bid to reopen the popular Wain Park pickleball courts, which were closed by the North Saanich council in May. The group is seeking a judicial review of the council’s decision, arguing that the closure breached district bylaws and procedural fairness.
The Controversial Decision
The closure of the Wain Park pickleball courts followed a council meeting on April 29, during which Mayor Peter Jones introduced a motion to permanently shut down the facility. The decision came despite a staff report on the agenda recommending only that the council receive information on noise-mitigation measures for the courts. The group contends that the motion to close the courts was not properly included on the meeting agenda, violating district rules that require items to be listed before they can be discussed.
According to the group’s petition, the only late item added to the agenda was a resident’s letter concerning potential reservation systems for tennis courts, not the pickleball courts closure. The petition argues that the council’s decision was made without proper procedural adherence, and that the motion to close the courts was prepared ahead of time, as evidenced by video recordings of the meeting.
The Petition’s Demands
The petition seeks three main actions:
1. Set Aside the Closure Resolution: Overturn the decision to permanently close the pickleball courts.
2. Declare a Breach of Procedural Fairness: Confirm that the council’s decision-making process was flawed.
3. Implement an Interim Order: Prevent the district from taking any further actions regarding the courts until the judicial review is resolved.
Brian Harrigan, a member of the group, expressed hope for a resolution without the need for a court hearing. “This petition is honestly a last resort to get the courts back open,” he said.
“If it wasn’t included in late items, then it’s not properly, it’s not lawfully before the council. So they can’t do that,” Harrigan said. “And it’s not just a proposition. This thing is recorded. Council meetings are recorded. It wasn’t on the agenda. It wasn’t included in late items.”
Community Impact and Support
The Wain Park pickleball courts have been more than just a recreational space for many residents. For locals like Sophie Lauro, the courts were a hub of community and connection. “Suddenly, we’re planning Christmas parties together. We’re planning different potlucks,” Lauro said.
Brad Watson, president of the Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association, highlighted that noise mitigation could have been a feasible solution. The regional associations are willing to contribute approximately $8,000 toward acoustic panels to reduce noise levels, a measure that recent tests show could bring noise from pickleball in line with tennis levels.
Mayor’s Stance and Legal Ramifications
Mayor Peter Jones has declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter. However, his previous correspondence, obtained via a freedom-of-information request, suggested a pre-determined stance on the pickleball courts, which the petitioners argue reflects a closed-minded approach to decision-making.
As the district has 21 days to respond to the petition, the outcome of this legal challenge will determine whether the pickleball courts will reopen or if further actions will be taken to address the community’s concerns.
News in Brief: Legal Battle Over North Saanich Pickleball Courts
The legal dispute over the Wain Park pickleball courts underscores the broader issues of procedural fairness and community engagement in local governance. While the courts await further developments, the community’s passionate response reflects the significant role these recreational spaces play in fostering connections and maintaining local engagement.
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