North Saanich Pickleball Courts May Reopen: Pickleball players in North Saanich are heading to court to challenge the closure of popular courts at Wain Park. A hearing is set for February 10 in B.C. Supreme Court, where a group of players will argue that the North Saanich council’s decision to close the courts violated its own rules.
Background and Dispute
The dispute began in May when noise complaints led the council to consider relocating the pickleball courts or forcing players to use softer balls. At a council meeting on April 29, members voted to close the Wain Park courts, which were heavily used and popular with locals.
The pickleball courts are located next to a field and across from a few homes. The council’s decision to close the courts sparked strong opposition from players who argued that the closure was unfair and improperly handled. The group filing the petition claims the council did not follow its procedures because the issue was not listed on the meeting agenda.
Council’s Response
In its response, the district argued that the petitioners have no standing to challenge the decision. It also maintained that the council’s decision was reasonable and that the pickleball court should not review it.
Player’s Perspective
Frank Gee, one of the petitioners, criticized this argument, saying,
“What would give you a right to argue it? I’m a resident. I’m a pickleball player. I play at Wain Park. I don’t know how much more connected I could be to this situation.” – (Frank Gee)
He emphasized that his connection to the issue made him well-suited to challenge the decision. The group’s efforts to negotiate with the district before taking legal action were unsuccessful, said Brian Harrigan, another member of the group.
“There were all kinds of examples that we have provided and have collected since then that show this was unfair. It was done in bad faith. There was a bias against the pickleball players.” – (Brian Harrigan)
Harrigan described the council’s actions as “unfair” and “done in bad faith,” noting that they refused to consider noise-reduction solutions proposed by the group.
Proposed Solutions and District’s Refusal
In July, Gee presented evidence showing that soundproofing measures in Oak Bay reduced noise by half, making it as quiet as a tennis game. Despite this, the North Saanich council rejected the idea. The district has declined to comment on the ongoing legal dispute.
“They refused to entertain it.” – (Brian Harrigan)
Impact and Future Implications
The outcome of this legal battle could have a significant impact on pickleball courts across the region. If the petitioners succeed, it could lead to a review of how local councils handle decisions about public recreational spaces.
News in Brief: North Saanich Pickleball Courts May Reopen
Pickleball players in North Saanich are challenging the closure of Wain Park pickleball courts in the B.C. Supreme Court. They argue the North Saanich council violated its rules when closing the popular courts without proper procedure. The outcome could affect local councils’ decisions on public recreational spaces.
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