The Blue Mountains council has agreed to give a 50 per cent discount on the cost of renting local pickleball courts to Young Life Collingwood.
Council made the decision at its meeting on Aug. 28, after Young Life Collingwood representative Roxanne Shaw made a presentation at the meeting. The group is organizing a pickleball tournament fundraiser and requested a waiver of the fees to rent the courts at the Tomahawk recreation complex just outside of Thornbury. The event will be held on Sept. 9 and 10.
After considerable discussion about the matter, council agreed to a 50 per cent reduction of the pickleball court rental fees, which were estimated by staff to be $800 in total for the two days.
“We envision a weekend of fun-filled pickleball matches that will encourage participation from people of all ages and skill levels,” Shaw said.
Young Life Collingwood started operating locally five years ago and offers mentorship and guidance programs and activities to local youth.
“It has been a joy to witness the lives that have been changed and improved over the short five years working in the Collingwood area,” said Shaw.
The organization chose the Thornbury pickleball courts, Shaw said, because of their great and beautiful location.
Members of council were generally supportive of the request, but there were concerns about the request from the group coming to council a week before the event.
“This is a week away. That doesn’t sit well with me,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon. “I don’t like making decisions this late.”
Coun. Paula Hope praised the group for their commitment to youth, encouraging young people to participate in pickleball and their decision to come to Thornbury for the event.
“This is a really positive statement about Thornbury and the region,” said Hope. “This is a super initiative.”
Council approved the motion to approve the 50 per cent discount in a 7-0 vote.
