In front of a well-attended council meeting, the Sunshine Coast Pickleball Association (SCPA) renewed its pitch for dedicated, year-round courts in Sechelt.
Ted Bentley presented the SCPA’s proposal to council at its May 17 meeting. The last time the association appeared as a delegation was in October 2019, when it asked for support for a year-round facility. Now, the SCPA is applying for a land lease, and asking Sechelt council for the same leasing arrangement — $1 per year — it granted the indoor tennis club.
The idea is similar to 2019's premise: To install an eight-court facility on land between the Suncoast Racquet Club and the Sunshine Coast Arena. Bentley said they would like to have a viewing area, similar to the curling club’s, to expand social function. The current vision includes a metal building or a structure made out of fabric on a steel frame rather than the previously proposed dome. It would be consistent with the Racquet Club’s facility.
While the priority would be pickleball, Bentley said they will use freestanding nets so the space can be flexible and available for other uses.
Cost estimates are around $1,750,000 while the association anticipates annual operating expenses at $99,000 and an annual revenue around $102,000.
The association gained more than 300 members by the end of 2022 and estimates at least another 100 non-members on the Coast, said the presentation in the agenda package. Bentley described pickleball as the fastest-growing sport, enjoyed by all ages, with pickleball courts recently added in other B.C. communities.
Bentley also pointed to the fast-growing demographic of seniors on the Coast, and the need for space for youth and special events.
It’s “an increased opportunity for Sechelt tourism. Do not underestimate that,” Bentley said. The previous presentation in 2019 was met with unanimous support from the prior Sechelt council.
Now, councillors spoke in favour of the proposal in front of them. Coun. Brenda Rowe said, “I really can’t tell you how happy I am to see you guys back in front of us with a really really well thought out — I think anyways — proposal.” She recommended they underestimate fundraising and sponsorship.
“I'm encouraged to hear that you want to use this also as a multi-purpose space… it gives me a sense of community which is so important and inclusive,” Coun. Donna Bell added.
