Qathet Pickleball Association Land Decision: City of Powell River Council has asked staff to prepare a report on whether to sell or lease land at the Timberlane property to the qathet Pickleball Association. The decision was made during the August 21 council meeting after discussions on how best to support a new pickleball facility.
Sale or Lease Options Debated
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she was pleased to see the city moving forward with a report. She asked that staff look at ways to protect the city’s right of first refusal if the association later decided to sell the property.
“I’m wondering if whoever is writing the report could consider those concerns in the report?” asked Elliott.
Councillor George Doubt also spoke in support of the association but said he preferred leasing over selling city land.
“It’s obvious that a pickleball facility has widespread support,” said Doubt. “The land is another question. I’m frankly not in favour of the concept of the city selling land. The oldest quote in the world is: ‘keep your land because they are not making any more.’”
Doubt added that if land is sold, it should be at fair value and with conditions that return the land to the city if a facility is not built.
Questions About City Land Use
Councillor Trina Isakson asked staff about how older council motions related to land use are prioritized. Director of planning services Jason Gow said prioritization has been a challenge.
“That would be something for council to consider, providing clear direction to staff,” said Gow. “Which of those many motions related to city-owned property is paramount?”
Councillor Rob Southcott raised concerns about the slope of the property. Jason Gow said a geotechnical study has not yet been completed. Mayor Ron Woznow responded that a committee walk-through found no major slope problems for construction.
Mayor Highlights Benefits
Mayor Ron Woznow said he had spoken with other British Columbia mayors who had pickleball facilities in their towns, including Vernon, which provided land and funding for its facility.
“The importance of this facility is that it is an opportunity for all ages to come together,” said Woznow. “The other important factor is we have more land, on average, than any other community in BC. I have heard continuously, why aren’t you using the land you have?
“It [a pickleball facility] supports the community objectives in our strategic plan, it will result in a reason for people to come to Powell River, and will also generate a lot of revenue for a variety of different commercial facilities here. Everything I have heard is we will receive significant benefit if we proceed with this motion.”
Final Decision on Report
The original motion called for a report on selling the property. Councillor Trina Isakson proposed an amendment also to include leasing as an option.
“My rationale for doing this is in speaking to some of the questions we have on council,” said Isakson. “I know the recommendation of the committee is for sale, but I’ve heard expressions of interest for leasing, and hearing from our staff on those differences.
“Pickleball is such an asset to the health of our community, and also, there are other huge assets to our community that deserve consideration.”
The amendment carried, with Mayor Ron Woznow and Councillor Jim Palm opposed. The main motion, including both the sale and lease options, passed unanimously.
What Happens Next
The staff report will outline the pros and cons of both sale and lease. Council will then decide which option best protects city interests while supporting the qathet Pickleball Association. If approved, the facility could become a new gathering place and economic driver for Powell River.
News in Brief: Qathet Pickleball Association Land Decision
Powell River Council directed staff to study whether land at Timberlane should be sold or leased to the qathet Pickleball Association for a new facility. Councillors debated ownership, land use, and community benefits. An amendment to include leasing passed, and a full report on both options will be prepared.
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