Kensington Mayor Resigns Over Pickleball Court Dispute, Sparks Controversy in Kensington

Kensington Mayor Resigns Over Pickleball Court Dispute: In a dramatic turn of events, Rowan Caseley, the longtime mayor of Kensington, P.E.I., resigned after his council voted in favor of a costly pickleball court project. The decision followed a heated debate about the allocation of municipal funds for the project, which Caseley believed was not in the town’s best financial interests.

Controversial Decision on Pickleball Courts

At the core of the controversy was the town council’s vote on constructing six new pickleball courts, a washroom facility, and a parking lot with funding from the 2023 Canada Games Legacy Fund. During the monthly council meeting, members voted 3-2 in favor of the proposal. While the Canada Games Legacy Fund would contribute over half of the $445,000 total cost, the town would still be responsible for $225,000.

• Project Breakdown:
  • Total cost: $445,831.42
  • Canada Games Legacy Fund contribution: $270,000
  • Town’s share: $225,831.42
  • Additional cost for parking lot: $50,000

Caseley, who had served as mayor for 10 years, expressed strong opposition to the proposal.

“There are projects that we didn’t do this year because we don’t have money. These are needs. This pickleball court is something that is a want.” – (Caseley)

He argued that the timing of the project was not right, considering the financial constraints the town faced.

The Impact on Town Resources

For Caseley, the decision represented a vote of no confidence in his leadership. He saw the pickleball courts as an unnecessary luxury that would strain the town’s limited resources.

Although the Canada Games fund would cover a significant portion of the cost, Caseley emphasized that the town would still bear a substantial financial burden. Moreover, the mayor pointed out that many of the individuals who would use the new courts would not be residents of Kensington and, therefore, would not contribute to the town’s tax base.

Council’s Mixed Support

The vote divided the council, with three members supporting the project and two opposing it. Despite Caseley’s objections, council members moved forward with the proposal, citing the growing popularity of pickleball as one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.

The Kensington Pickleball Club had expressed their desire to fundraise to cover part of the costs, but the final responsibility for any funding shortfall would fall to the town.

• Kensington’s Pickleball Landscape:
  • Existing pickleball facilities: 4
  • New courts to be added: 6
  • Estimated total cost: $445,831.42

Financial Concerns Raised

Kensington’s Chief Administrative Officer, Geoff Baker, raised several concerns in his memo to council members. He noted the financial strain the town was already facing and cautioned against the additional long-term costs, particularly for maintenance. Despite these concerns, the project’s supporters believed it would enhance the town’s recreational offerings and attract more visitors to Kensington.

“The Kensington Pickleball Club has indicated their desire to fundraise to support the courts. However, any funding shortfall would be the responsibility of the town.” – (Geoff Baker)

• Baker’s Memo Highlights:
  • Town’s budgetary constraints
  • Maintenance costs for new courts
  • Funding shortfall and the need for careful evaluation

“Given the funding shortfall and the scope of the project, I strongly recommend that council carefully evaluate the financial, operational, and timing implications before making a decision.” – (Geoff Baker)

“Should council wish to move forward, additional efforts will be required to secure funding for the shortfall and to develop a detailed implementation plan.”  – (Geoff Baker)

Mayor’s Resignation

Caseley’s resignation followed the council’s decision, which he viewed as a direct challenge to his leadership.

“It’s never easy to say no to free money, but sometimes it is the right decision to say no because it just doesn’t fit with your budget or with your timeframe.” – (Rowan Caseley)

News in Brief: Kensington Mayor Resigns Over Pickleball Court Dispute

Rowan Caseley, mayor of Kensington, P.E.I., resigned after a contentious council vote to approve a $445,000 pickleball court project. Despite the Canada Games Legacy Fund covering over half the costs, Caseley opposed the project, arguing it wasn’t the best use of town resources.

The council voted 3-2 in favor, with concerns about the town’s financial strain and ongoing maintenance costs. Caseley viewed the decision as a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

ALSO READ: Powell River’s Major Pickleball Move, Community Seeks Support