Pickleball Court Subsidies Slashed: Pickleball players in the Town of The Blue Mountains will soon face higher costs. On February 24, the town’s committee of the whole approved the 2025 fees and charges bylaw, which reduces the current subsidy for pickleball court rentals. The bylaw passed by a 4-3 vote and will go to the council for final approval on March 10.
Public Opposition to Fee Increase
The change has sparked strong reactions from residents. The subsidy for pickleball court rentals is set to drop from 30% to 10%, a proposal introduced in the 2025 draft budget. During a public budget meeting on February 18, many residents voiced their concerns, with some worried about affordability, especially for seniors.
“I am shocked at the … increase in pickleball court fees being considered for the 2025 Town of The Blue Mountains budget,” wrote Christine Laskoski in a letter to the council.
“The proposed increase may push pickleball out of reach for some seniors who are on a fixed budget.” – (Christine Laskoski)
Town Officials Defend the Decision
At the February 24 meeting, town staff explained the reasoning behind the change. Currently, pickleball groups pay $10.50 per court per hour under the subsidy. In 2025, fees will rise to $20 per court per hour, with the 10% subsidy lowering the cost to $18 per hour. This means the per-person cost (assuming four players) will increase from $2.63 to $4.50.
“The changes were based on looking at other municipalities,” said finance director Monica Quinlan, noting that no other municipalities provide subsidies for pickleball court rentals.
Ryan Gibbons, director of community services, added that all recreation facility users receive some form of subsidy. The town’s community services department currently costs taxpayers $3.8 million annually. He also mentioned that staff are reviewing all existing recreation subsidies and will present a report to the council soon.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Subsidies Slashed
The Town of The Blue Mountains has approved a plan to reduce pickleball court rental subsidies from 30% to 10%, increasing player costs. Many residents oppose the change, citing affordability concerns. The bylaw, passed on February 24, awaits final approval on March 10. Officials cite budget reviews and comparisons with other municipalities as reasons for the change.
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