Salmon Arm councillors support the idea of a proposed indoor tennis court, but they are not willing to co-sign on a loan at this point.
In a letter to the council Salmon Arm Tennis Club members, Ken Hecker and Winston Pain, brought council up to date on their club’s working committee’s efforts to raise funds for the new facility.
The letter acknowledged council’s support and waiver of several development conditions in 2011 and noted grant applications to Tennis Canada and B.C. Community Recreation program were turned down.
In April 2015, the tennis club established a working committee to review the feasibility of a permanent indoor, three-court facility as a regional facility, attracting players from the Shuswap and Vernon.
Since November, the committee has been meeting with the builder to determine the structure’s cost. A comprehensive business plan is under construction and, rather than relying solely on grants, the club plans to raise funds through a variety of sources.
The letter stressed the necessity of having letters of support when applying for grants and noted the club would likely approach council later this year with a formal request to support and co-sign a loan application.
Coun. Alan Harrison, a member of the tennis club, excused himself from council chambers and there was no appetite for co-signing a loan at among the remaining councillors.
“I am a bit concerned we’re asked for a letter of support; I don’t want it confused with co-signing of a loan without a business plan and more details,” said Coun. Kevin Flynn. “We can’t put taxpayers’ dollars at risk and it doesn’t mean I’ll agree to support it without a whole lot of homework.”
As well, Flynn said he would like the project to be a multi-use facility to include pickle ball.
“I play pickle ball,” said Flyn, a former tennis club member, who says he switched to pickle ball because of the wear and tear on his body from tennis. “To complain you don’t want more lines is not the right attitude. “Think about another racquet sport.”
“Clearly we’re not looking a co-signing,” added Coun. Chad Eliason, who agreed he would support the letter. “We support these types of endeavours; for people who are looking for grant opportunities, this may be a great opportunity.”
The motion to support the letter was approved by Eliason, Flynn, Lavery and Louise Wallace richmond. Coun. Ken Jamieson was absent.