North Saanich Council has decided to shut down the pickleball courts at Wain Park due to ongoing noise complaints from nearby residents.
Despite the courts’ popularity and district staff’s suggestions for reducing noise, the council voted 5-1 to permanently close the two courts by May 7.
The pickleball courts, constructed in 2017, are located near several homes on Birch Road.
Mayor Peter Jones stated that the placement of the courts is problematic due to the noise they generate, and the costs of soundproofing are too high to justify.
He noted that asking residents to fund costly noise-reduction measures wasn’t a viable option.
Councilor Jack McClintock was the only dissenting vote, arguing that removing recreational facilities without providing a suitable replacement is unfair to the community.
He mentioned that he didn’t know of any other place where courts had been closed without a plan for an alternative.
Mayor Jones pointed out that there are other pickleball courts on the Saanich Peninsula that residents can use and suggested that enclosed courts in more suitable locations would be a better solution for everyone.
Complaints about noise from pickleball aren’t unique to North Saanich.
In 2022, similar issues led to the closure of pickleball courts in Todd Park, James Bay, with the activity moved to Central Park’s tennis courts near the Crystal Pool in Victoria.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Decision | North Saanich Council voted 5-1 to permanently close the Wain Park pickleball courts due to noise complaints from nearby residents. |
| Closure Date | May 7 |
| Reason for Closure | Noise complaints and high costs associated with soundproofing the courts. |
| Opposition to Closure | Councilor Jack McClintock was the only vote against the closure, arguing that removing recreational facilities without a suitable alternative is unfair. |
| Support for Closure | Mayor Peter Jones pointed to high costs of noise-reduction and suggested other courts on the Saanich Peninsula are available for use. |
| Location of Courts | The Wain Park pickleball courts are located near Birch Road, adjacent to several residential properties. |
| Broader Context | Noise complaints from pickleball have caused similar closures in other parts of Greater Victoria, indicating a growing issue with noise in residential areas. |
| Alternatives Suggested | Enclosed courts in more appropriate locations or using other available pickleball courts on the Saanich Peninsula. |
| Other Locations Mentioned | Todd Park (Victoria), Carnarvon Park (Oak Bay), and Victoria Pickleball Centre in Langford. |
| Soundproofing Considerations | Enclosed courts with sound barriers are expensive, making them less feasible for the Wain Park facility. |
Oak Bay also relocated pickleball to a fenced lacrosse box with soundproofing at Carnarvon Park. Langford’s new Victoria Pickleball Centre, a large indoor facility with six courts, opened recently to provide additional options for players.
Overall, the closure of the Wain Park courts reflects growing concerns about noise in residential areas where pickleball is played and indicates a broader trend toward seeking alternative locations for this popular sport.
Also Read : CANADA’S FIRST PUBLIC PADEL AND PICKLEBALL CLUB TO ASSEMBLY PARK IN VAUGHAN
