Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay and Esquimalt joined forces in an effort to satisfy South Island pickleball players.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity on the South Island in recent years, and the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association now boasts around 680 members, many of whom struggle to find available court times.
“We would like to see more outdoor courts,” says Victoria Regional Pickleball Association treasurer Judy Langford. “They are well-used and there are not that many.”
The municipalities have partnered in launching a $60,000 survey, the first phase of which is public consultation.
Signs have been posted at courts in the area with a QR code which takes you to the website for the regional pickleball strategy. Many voters are in favour of building a 12-court indoor facility that could host major tournaments.
“Victoria should be the pickleball capital of Canada,” says Langford.
Victoria’s manager of recreation services, Jeff Brehaus, says the problem with building new courts is noise.
“The four core municipalities have taken a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of the community and the impact the sport is having on residents adjacent to facilities,” Brehaus said.
You can submit feedback on the regional strategy until Sunday.
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Jordan Cunningham
