Help Reopen the Wain Park Pickleball Courts!

Dear Friends of North Saanich Resident and friends of Wain Park Pickleball,

 

We are pleased to provide an update in our quest to get the Wain Park Pickleball courts reopened. Shortly after the courts were closed, we filed a petition for a Judicial Review to challenge the decision. This decision is illegal, it violates the District’s own bylaws, and is an insult to our democratic process. It goes far beyond pickleball and every resident of North Saanich needs to be aware and be concerned.

 

We are seeking any donations, big or small, to help us reach our goal. Even $10 can make a significant difference towards re-opening Wain Park Courts and providing sound mitigation to create a suitable resolution for all parties involved. Donations can be made anonymously if desired.

 

We urgently need your continued support. Generous donations have funded our legal support so far, but the District has made it clear that they have no intention of settling this case and are prepared to take to trial. 2 full days in December for this case to be hard. It is shocking that the District wants to spend tax payers money to take their citizens to court rather than settle for case for a fraction of the cost. We believe the Mayor and Council should rescind this motion and work collaboratively with the residents of North Saanich and the Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association (SPPA) to find a suitable resolution. We need your help to make this happen!

 

Our expected costs legal services to the end of the hearing are $15,000. We hoped and worked for a community based negotiated resolution to this issue but we have been met with obstinate refusal to do so. A legal challenge is our only remaining option. We have a solid case and we are looking forward to a positive decision.

 

Community Efforts and Support

Since April 29, the pickleball community has made numerous efforts to reverse the closure decision, but unfortunately, we have not succeeded. We are now facing the final step that we had hoped to avoid. The various initiatives we have attempted include:

• A petition with over 1800 signatures was presented to the Mayor and Council.

• Hundreds of supporters protested at the May 6 Council meeting.

• Legal consultations to assess the legitimacy of the closure motion.

• Talking with staff at other B.C. municipalities and their successful use of sound mitigation.

• Media interviews and a strong social media presence.

• Collection of scientific data demonstrating effective sound mitigation technology.

How You Can Help

We are seeking any donations, big or small, to help us reach our goal. Even $10 can make a significant difference. This initiative is led by a group of volunteers who live and play pickleball in North Saanich and the Saanich Peninsula. Please note, this is not a political campaign but a community effort to reopen the courts and promote the sport of pickleball. Your support is greatly appreciated, and donations can be made anonymously if desired

 

Please contact Brian Harrigan @[email redacted] if you have any questions