The recent Brandon City Council meeting saw unanimous approval for the sale of three city-owned properties on Pacific Avenue to developer Phil Greenwood for a nominal fee of $1.
The purpose behind this transaction is to pave the way for the construction of an indoor sports facility catering to pickleball and tennis enthusiasts.
Phil Greenwood, who operates indoor pickleball facilities in Saskatoon and Regina, expressed his intention to introduce a similar establishment to Brandon.
He highlighted the city’s growing pickleball community and the lack of winter venues as key factors driving this decision.
Pickleball, akin to tennis but played with solid paddles and a smaller ball, has been gaining popularity across age groups due to its social nature and competitive edge.
Greenwood plans to construct a facility with 14 pickleball courts, eight of which can be converted into tennis courts, making it suitable for hosting provincial tournaments.
The choice of location, adjacent to the CN Rail tracks and with limited commercial viability, was deemed ideal for the proposed facility.
Other communities considered for expansion included Swift Current, Yorkton, Prince Albert, and Medicine Hat.
Acknowledging the role of the Brandon Pickleball Club and the support of city staff, Greenwood aims to commence construction in June with a target opening date of November.
He emphasized the sport’s inclusivity, offering a platform for individuals of all ages to engage in physical activity and camaraderie.
Ryan Nickel, Brandon’s director of planning and buildings, outlined the option for the city to repurchase the property at the sale price if development plans falter.
He indicated that the project aligns with the city’s downtown secondary plan, emphasizing the focus on recreational amenities to invigorate the downtown area.
Councilor Kris Desjarlais echoed the sentiments of public engagement, noting a preference for an indoor sports court facility outside the Sportsplex.
Recognizing the economic constraints, he lauded Greenwood’s initiative in addressing the community’s passion for pickleball while revitalizing downtown.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Properties Sold | Three city-owned properties on Pacific Avenue |
| Buyer | Developer Phil Greenwood |
| Sale Price | $1 |
| Intended Use | Construction of an indoor sports facility for pickleball and tennis |
| Buyer’s Experience | Operates indoor pickleball facilities in Saskatoon and Regina |
| Facility Features | 14 pickleball courts, 8 of which can be converted into tennis courts |
| Purpose | Address the growing pickleball community in Brandon, provide winter venues, and host provincial tournaments |
| Location Advantages | Adjacent to CN Rail tracks, suitable depth for sports facility, limited commercial viability |
| Timeline | Construction expected to start in June, with a target opening date in November |
| Community Engagement | Supported by Brandon Pickleball Club, praised by city staff for facilitating the deal |
| Economic Implications | Option for city to repurchase property at sale price if development doesn’t proceed |
| Alignment with City Plans | Project aligns with downtown secondary plan to prioritize recreational facilities and amenities |
| Councilor’s Perspective | Acknowledges public preference for indoor sports facility, commends initiative to revitalize downtown, and addresses community’s passion for pickleball |
| Vision for Downtown Revitalization | Envisions facility as catalyst for downtown revitalization, increased foot traffic, and potential housing development |
| Comparison with EVO Golf | Cites EVO Golf as another positive addition to Pacific Avenue’s evolving landscape |
Desjarlais emphasized the accessibility and intergenerational appeal of pickleball, envisioning the facility as a catalyst for downtown revitalization and housing development.
He drew parallels with EVO Golf, citing it as another positive addition to Pacific Avenue’s evolving landscape.
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