Pickleball Controversy in Powell River: In a passionate plea for support, the qathet Pickleball Association (qPA) made a compelling case to the City of Powell River councillors during the October 22 committee of the whole meeting. The association is aiming to lease up to one acre of city-owned land near the Powell River Recreation Complex to establish an eight-court indoor pickleball facility.
A Growing Demand for Space
Susan Young, president of the qathet Pickleball Association, presented survey results from 121 members, with 104 responses showing overwhelming support for the initiative.
“I support qPA’s mission to advocate for the development of space and suitable facilities where we can have year-round access to pickleball in the City of Powell River.” – (statement)
Remarkably, 103 of the respondents affirmed the need for such a pickleball facility, with just one disagreeing voice.
Susan Young emphasized the importance of creating easy access to pickleball and promoting inter-generational play to enhance community health and well-being.
“The qPA is asking for a three-quarters of an acre to one acre of land lease agreement with the city. The section of land we are seeking is adjacent to the upper parking lot of the recreation complex.” – (Susan Young)
Call for Collaboration
Susan Young urged for the establishment of a working committee to facilitate the development of the facility.
“We are asking that a working committee be established to make this come true. We are willing to apply for funding and take on the building process.” – (Susan Young)
Susan Young showed the growing interest in pickleball within the community, noting a significant lack of available space.
“Having a pickleball facility would be an amazing community asset.” – (Susan Young)
The closing of the Powell River Racquet Centre, although without a confirmed date remains in the conversation.
“Most important is the Powell River Racquet Centre will be closing soon. There is no hard date of it closing, but when it closes, there will be a lot more pickleball players looking for space. We are aware that the Oceanview gym is already at capacity.” – (Susan Young)
Next Steps for the Project
The proposed site near the recreation complex aligns with a community hub model, although Susan Young clarified that it was merely a suggestion.
“We need to start this journey now to move forward together. I’m urging the mayor and council to pass a motion to create a collaborative working community committee so we can come back with a working plan to develop and build a facility for all on leased city land.” – (Susan Young)
She called upon the mayor and council to pass a motion to create a collaborative working community committee to develop a plan for the facility on leased city land.
Councillor George Doubt raised an important question regarding the presence of a business plan addressing the property’s servicing costs, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Susan Young assured him that the qPA does have a business plan in place.
A fellow qPA member reinforced that they are not seeking funding from the city or the qathet Regional District but are merely requesting an allocation of a building site. Doubt suggested that the qPA draft a letter to the council regarding their request for a property lease, emphasizing that this straightforward approach might yield quicker results.
Councillor Jim Palm echoed the sentiment, asserting that the community would greatly benefit from such a facility. He inquired about potential funding opportunities for recreation projects, to which director of planning services Jason Gow replied that while he had not been searching specifically for this type of project, various funding avenues exist for community-based initiatives.
“I appreciate you are at a beginning point and I’m really optimistic, because clearly, the benefits are manyfold.” remarked Councillor Rob Southcott, who chairs the committee. He noted that the proposed building could cost millions, thus highlighting the need for effective fundraising strategies.
Susan Young emphasized that securing land is crucial for their fundraising efforts.
“Honestly, the only way we can move forward with fundraising is if we have land. There’s no way we can do any kind of fundraising or capital work, because whatever organization we go to, they will ask, ‘what do you have’ in terms of land and/or buildings.” – (Susan Young)
With the community’s increasing interest and the urgent need for dedicated space, the future of pickleball in Powell River hangs in the balance, awaiting the city’s response.
News in Brief: Pickleball Controversy in Powell River
The qathet Pickleball Association has requested a lease of city-owned land to build an eight-court indoor pickleball facility near the Powell River Recreation Complex. President Susan Young presented survey results showing strong community support. The association seeks collaboration with the city and is willing to pursue funding for the project.
Councillors expressed the need for a solid business plan and suggested that the qPA draft a letter to simplify their request. As pickleball gains popularity, the urgency for a dedicated pickleball facility becomes increasingly evident.
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