Pickleball Project Update – October 2026

Community feedback and project status
As reported in previous communications, Council’s proposal to build a pickleball court received strong support in the community survey:

• 70% were unequivocally in favour.
• 22% were in favour, conditional on the Village receiving all or some grant funding.
• 8% were opposed.

Council postponed the project while it reviewed the Village’s financial position and considered questions raised at the July information meeting. Residents asked about the potential effect on tax rates and whether grant funding could be used for the project. Council will obtain updated quotations over the winter before deciding on construction.

Grant funding and estimated capital capacity
Capital grant funding is claimed after an eligible project has been completed, paid for, and approved by the government. Although grant funding may accumulate over time, it must be used for eligible capital projects.

According to Heather Luhtala, the Village Financial Officer and Grant Funding Coordinator, the pickleball court project is eligible under the Village’s current grant programs, subject to the applicable program requirements and approval process.

For the current fiscal year, the Village qualified for $69,967 through the Local Government Fiscal Fund (LGFF) and $9,693 through the Building Strong Communities Fund (BSCF). The Village currently has $56,480 available under LGFF and $9,693 under BSCF. Council anticipates using approximately $6,000 for new signage, which would leave approximately $60,000 in current grant funding for other eligible projects.

For the next fiscal year, the Village anticipates qualifying for approximately $80,000 through the two programs. Together, current and anticipated grant funding could total approximately $140,000 for capital projects. These amounts are estimates and depend on annual eligibility, allocation, project approval, and the timing of funding.

Council plans to allocate approximately $12,000 for road dust control and $6,600 for the upfront debenture cost for WILD Water Phase 5A. After these planned costs, approximately $121,400 would remain for other capital projects, assuming the estimates and anticipated grant amounts are confirmed.

Project budget and ongoing costs
The previous pickleball project budget was $66,000. Council is considering adding permanent basketball hoops and including an inflation contingency, which would bring the planning budget to approximately $75,000. Updated quotations will be needed to confirm the final scope and cost, including the hoops and contingency.

The court’s maintenance costs are expected to be modest during the first few years. Council estimates an annual allowance of approximately $1,500 for items such as replacing nets and repainting lines. The current estimate is that this cost can be accommodated within existing budgets without increasing taxes; this should be reviewed as part of the annual budget process.

Recommended next steps

1. Obtain updated quotations over the winter and confirm the project scope, schedule, and total cost.
2. Confirm whether permanent basketball hoops are included in the design and quotation.
3. Include an appropriate inflation and contingency allowance in the project budget.
4. Confirm grant eligibility, approval requirements, reimbursement timing, and the source of funds needed to pay project costs upfront.
5. Review the project’s capital and ongoing operating costs, including any potential tax implications, before committing to construction.
6. Keep residents informed about updated costs, funding assumptions, project timing, and Council’s decisions.

Council will use the updated information to assess the project and its timing while maintaining the Village’s financial position.