What did Nanaimo's 2026 candidates say about indoor tennis?

I support pausing the taking down of the only indoor tennis in town. I don't understand why this is being rushed and in principle I disagree with it. Why would we not support such an important indoor sports structure? Something feels off about the urgency. Why do this on November 1 when new council comes into office Nov 9? We need to take action to delay this until new council is in place and give citizens the chance to weigh in.

Yes, definitely. There are many ways to solve a problem. In this particular situation a problem doesn't really even exist as many people use and want to preserve the structure and there is no real upside to taking it down, unless there are backroom deals we don't know about.

Indoor sports facilities are really important if we are encouraging people to be active and healthy. We should be using what we have in place already instead of tearing down facilities that are appreciated and used for some promise of a future facility that will cost more and may never materialize.

I would definitely support holding off until a further study has been done. I love tennis myself and and providing an indoor sport in these times of uncertain weather is important for health and wellbeing.

I would support evaluation of this most popular sport in all its aspects.

Sport of all kinds are very important and must be given valued consideration.

Yes. I recognize the presence of this facility to be important and well-utilized by the community, and therefore support pausing removal until alternative options can be ensured. Throughout a public consultation process and until development commences, the use of the facility should remain available. We need to engage in a comprehensive process to explore options to maintain the structure and identify community partners for ongoing operations.

I am open to thoroughly exploring alternative operating options to maintain use of this recreational space for the community while consultation and development processes evolve.

Collaboration and alternative partnership models would allow for ongoing use of the facility without adding cost to the City’s recreation budget.

Accessible indoor recreation options are vital to community well-being and year-round indoor recreation access should be a priority for City recreational planning. Given the support for and utilization of the current facility, an alternative location needs to be considered to ensure there is a consistent and sustainable plan for long-term availability of indoor racquet sport activities for all community members.

Yes, I support pausing removal of the tennis facility pending public consultation, asset review, feasibility and risk analysis, business case analysis, accessibility and potential partnerships for year-round tennis.

I recognize the strong community interest in retaining tennis at the site. I remember when it opened. I grew up playing outdoor tennis at local parks and I recognize the problems with outdoor play on our rainy coast.

Given the aging facility, the City needs to assess the asset, maintenance, costs, operations and responsibility, along with who will manage and fund it long term. A short pause gives us time to make an informed decision.

From what I understand, the City has acquired the property, not the club or operations, and the City is reportedly not in a position to take on interim operations. Given this, I also support the City exploring options for suitable indoor space to address tennis skills development outside the summer months, while assessment of the existing site continues.

Yes, I support early and evidence-based business case analysis, including needs assessment, projected users, preferred and alternative options, revenues, costs, operating models, and timelines. I recognize the City has operations agreements at other facilities and I support analysis of options. If there is a viable model that can preserve year-round racquet sports and community benefit without placing unreasonable costs or risks on the City budget, Council should understand that option before making an irreversible decision.

Racquet sports are popular at all ages as part of active living. Year-round, climate-controlled, accessible and inclusive indoor recreation access should be part of ongoing evidence-based planning for core infrastructure. I have played racquet sports in Nanaimo and am grateful for all the ways I have had to participate.

YES. I would support allowing the time to research the rational for the proposed courses of action and their implications.

I would support investigating all courses of action for the betterment of Nanaimo and our recreation facilities.

I don't know.

Yes, subject to safety and legal requirements. My approach is to listen first, understand the facts, and make responsible decisions with taxpayers’ money. Before an irreversible decision, I would support assessing the facility’s condition, costs, useful life, community demand and whether year-round indoor tennis can feasibly be retained.

Yes. My platform emphasizes finding practical, financially responsible solutions rather than assuming the City must do everything itself. I would support evaluating nonprofit, lease and partnership models before removal, including the costs, risks and benefits to taxpayers and users.

Nanaimo needs recreation planning that is long-term, evidence-based and responsive to the community. Indoor racquet sports should be considered alongside other recreation priorities, with attention to affordability, accessibility, demand and sustainable operating models. I believe we should preserve valuable recreation opportunities where they make sense, while being disciplined about public spending.

I would support the pausing of the removal of the Westwood Lake indoor tennis facility until after a public consultation - I think the general public has not had long enough time to assess and determine the impact of its removal. A hasty decision can have long term consequences especially if alternatives have not been explored.

I would absolutely support other alternative models - even short term lease agreements heading into the fall winter season where indoor facilities are essential.

A healthy and active community is a happy community! I played on the NDSS badminton team when I was younger and enjoyed playing tennis regularly. Spaces that support physical and mental health are essential for all ages and should always be on the table as a non negotiable.

Yes, I would support pausing removal until the City completes public consultation and assesses whether year-round indoor tennis can feasibly be retained. There is strong community interest in keeping tennis on the site, and I grew up learning to play in the bubble myself; it's been a valued facility for decades. But interest alone isn't enough: because the structure is aging, we need a clear-eyed assessment of what it would take to maintain it, and who would manage and fund that upkeep long-term. Pausing gives us the information to make that decision properly, rather than losing an option we may regret giving up.

Yes. Before removing the facility, the City should evaluate nonprofit operation, lease arrangements, and partnership models to see whether any could keep the facility viable without falling entirely on the municipal budget. A community organization or user group taking on operations, for example, has worked for similar amenities elsewhere, and it should be thoroughly investigated.

Racquet sports are popular across every age group in Nanaimo and support health and active living from children through seniors. I believe year-round indoor access should be treated as a standing priority in the City's recreation planning, not an amenity we revisit only when a facility is at risk, but one we plan for consistently, alongside our other core recreation infrastructure.

I would certainly like the city to take a pause as the new council takes the reigns. I would like to know about all of the assets that now belong to the city and those owned by the tennis club. That would make a difference as to what decision we can make. While the city has ambitious plans for the property as well as Beban Park, I fear some of the projects in-stream right now, may have to be postponed due to skyrocketing costs. I would further recommend looking at ALL of the possibilities for the property.

We may not be able to proceed with any improvements at the property, at least in the short term (two to four years). Perhaps we SHOULD consider entering into a lease arrangement with the tennis club, always being mindful that private clubs on public property don't always sell well to the general public.

I believe indoor sports should always be considered equally. That includes tennis, lacrosse, racquetball, and any other sports that could then be enjoyed year round.

YES, I see no reason for the city to expedite a decision on this issue, it seems, from feedback, that there has been a rush to judgement. it will do no harm to pause the decision on its removal pending more consultation and whether the club (members) can access funding in support of their continued operation.

YES, (As noted in #1).

I believe that any year round facility would be of benefit to all citizens, young and old alike. Year round sport centers should be one of the priorities for council to encourage team building through sports, any sport.

I acknowledge that it will be unfortunate if the Nanaimo Tennis community goes without an indoor Tennis facility for an extended period if time. As a Nanaimo City Councillor, I will work with city staff to find a public recreational facility that suits the needs of Nanaimo Tennis in a timely manner.

I support indoor racquet-sports, such as Tennis, being offered year-round space in faciliites such as Beban Park Social Centre. As a Nanaimo City Councillor, I will work to make our community's recreational facilities more accessible for programs supported by public interest, such as indoor Tennis. It would be great if Nanaimo's indoor Tennis community could find a long-term home in one of Nanaimo's existing public recreational facilities.

Year-round indoor racquet-sport facilities should be considered when planning Nanaimo's long-term recreation. I support Nanaimo's public facilities, such as Beban Park Social Centre, being used for indoor-racquet sports long-term. As a Nanaimo City Councillor, I will consult with sports group, such as Nanaimo Tennis, when planning the future long-term usage of our recreational facilties.

The economics to relocate the Westwood park facility should be considered in advance of its relocation to Beban Park. If the tennis user base is expected to increase at Beban Park then it may become a win-win scenario for the city and the club. (The current tennis club's current user base may need projections associated with the planned expansion of Westwood Lake park.)

Yes, I would support this type of evaluation. A workable time frame needs to be agreed to avoid ongoing delays for park planning.

The user population should determine the role in order to justify City involvement. The City has a best interest in providing recreational sites. The cost of operating a facility such as this may need to continue to be passed on any special user group that remains the sole benefactor. Make comparison with other City operated facilities such as pools & arenas.

Yes. I would support pausing the removal of the Westwood Lake indoor tennis facility until meaningful public consultation has taken place and Council has received the information needed to make an informed decision.

We should be thankful for having a year-round facility like yours….extending a sport through year.

Once a community facility is removed, it can be difficult and expensive to replace. Before taking that step, I believe we should understand how well the facility is used, its condition and operating costs, and whether there are practical and financially responsible options to retain year-round indoor tennis.

Our REAL Team approach is simple: consult the people who use and pay for our facilities, examine the facts and costs, and consider reasonable alternatives before making an irreversible decision.

Good decisions should be based on community needs, sound financial information, and common sense—not made before the public has had a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Yes. Before removing an existing community facility, I believe we have a responsibility to determine whether there are practical alternatives that could preserve it without placing an unreasonable burden on taxpayers.

I would support evaluating nonprofit operation, leasing arrangements, public-private partnerships, user-supported models, sponsorships, or other options that could maintain year-round indoor tennis.

The City does not necessarily have to own and operate every recreational facility itself. If another organization can operate the facility responsibly and sustainably while continuing to provide a valued community service, that option deserves serious consideration.

Our REAL Team approach would be to explore the alternatives, understand the costs and benefits, consult the community, and make the decision based on the facts. Removing the facility should come only after reasonable options for retaining it have been properly evaluated.

I believe year-round indoor racquet-sport facilities should be considered an important part of Nanaimo’s long-term recreation planning, particularly as our population continues to grow. Especially in when looking at our wet climate where we are considered as a broader rainforest region!

Tennis, pickleball, badminton and other racquet sports provide recreation for people across a wide range of ages and abilities. Nanaimo’s climate also makes reliable indoor facilities important for maintaining access throughout the year.

However, future facilities must be planned responsibly. Why should we destroy a fully functional facility in the hopes of having an alternative solution years down the road. Why not allow for both? Council should look at actual and projected demand, existing facilities, operating and capital costs, potential partnerships, and opportunities for multi-use spaces.

Our REAL Team approach is needs before wants, value for taxpayers, and good long-term planning. If the community demonstrates a sustainable need for year-round indoor racquet sports, that need should be reflected in Nanaimo’s recreation plans rather than addressed only when an existing facility is at risk.

If I had heard that preserving the bubble was potentially an option, I would have certainly supported exploring that possibility, but that's not what was communicated to me or the rest of Council through this process.

My understanding from the outset was that the former owners were removing the bubble because it's at the end of its life and the club was closing. There had been a proposal to develop housing on the site, which this Council turned down. I've gone back through all my emails from that time and no one was calling for the preservation of the bubble - there was just an understanding that the club was closing and all the pushback we received was around further densification.

The City then had the opportunity to purchase the property, which didn't include the business or the bubble. When I strongly supported the City's purchase of this site, I saw it as a win for the recreation community to ensure continued access to this site for recreational purposes, and being able to keep the tennis courts, albeit without the bubble, seemed like a big win for local tennis players to me. We were told that staff had done a feasibility assessment and that the bubble was at the end of its life and the former owners were removing it before the change in ownership of the property.

Further to my answer above, my understanding is that the bubble removal was planned by the club owners prior to the sale. It would seem easy and convenient to say yes for the sake of this survey, but based on what was communicated to Council about the bubble being at the end of its useful life, and at this late stage in the sale, and considering the time and staff capacity it takes to conduct such an evaluation and weigh options, realistically it seems to me like we have passed the point of this being an option, to be totally honest.

However, if there is an option to retain it that could be explored because the bubble is not actually at the end of its life or being removed based on a decision by the club owners, contrary to what has been communicated to Council, then I am open to receiving that information.

I would love to see more year-round indoor racquet-sport facilities and I fully support the City exploring options to create more, and seeking partnership opportunities to support this. My understanding is that Beban Park master plan includes opportunities for future indoor recreation space to accommodate tennis, and City staff have recently engaged with Tennis BC about potential partnership opportunities. As a former squash player (which I know ruins your tennis game), and as someone who also enjoys tennis and pickleball, I completely understand how racquet sports are excellent for both physical and mental health and Nanaimo would absolutely benefit from more indoor facilities for these sports.

I am a former tennis player who used to play quite competitively in various clubs on the Lower Mainland, until I had a very serious knee injury around 3 years ago. I used to play indoors in Coquitlam and Langley, so I know firsthand the value of having indoor facilities during the rainy months of the year.

I would certainly like to have some public consultation on this matter, as well as do a feasibility study. If the economics make sense, then I would like to see indoor tennis continue in Nanaimo.

I think the feasibility study would best answer this question, but I'm open to various models.

Indoor racket sports do have a place in Nanaimo's long-term planning. However, tennis is a tricky one because of the amount of space required (as opposed to squash, racketball or badminton and pickleball, which can be played in any regular gym. I would need to know more about the tennis community in Nanaimo before answering this question, but again, the feasibility study would probably address this. Thank you.

Hi Nanaimo Tennis, I think it’s important to say that the city’s best response shouldn’t be an election response. This is about making sure Nanaimo Tennis has the answers to understand how we will move forward. The following is directly from Charlotte Davis, the Acting Director of the Parks Department.

We understand your concerns about the loss of year-round indoor tennis, particularly for young players who are developing their skills and we share your sentiments on the importance of accessible recreation opportunities for children, families, adults, and seniors. It is important to note that the City's acquisition is limited to the property itself and does not include the Westwood Tennis Club business or its operations. The decision to cease operations and sell the property was made by the current owners, and the City will not assume ownership of the property until after club operations have ended. The consideration of continuing operations for a short while longer may seem relatively straightforward and, while we understand and appreciate the desire to preserve access to year-round indoor tennis and explore options to extend the life of the existing facility, the City is not in a position to operate the facility on an interim basis. Furthermore, we strive to carefully balance community needs and available resources when making recreation investments. Rather than directing resources toward extending the life of an aged facility that is at the end of its service life, our focus is on long-term recreation planning that can deliver sustainable and accessible opportunities for residents. We are committed to supporting tennis and other racquet sports in Nanaimo. Looking ahead, our focus is on developing sustainable, long-term opportunities, including future racquet sports facility development within the Beban Park campus. While these plans will take time to advance, we believe this approach will provide greater long-term benefit to the community and help ensure that tennis continues to be part of Nanaimo's recreation landscape for years to come. I will work with our sports and recreation team to see if we have any suitable indoor space that may be able to be booked in the winter for a bit of tennis skills development, I will get back to you on that. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Your feedback will be shared with Council as part of the public correspondence received on this matter. Kindest regards Charlotte

Charlotte Davis

Acting Director, Parks, Recreation and Culture City of Nanaimo

Thank you Janice Perrino Nanaimo City Councillor

The candidate forwarded the above City staff response but did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

The candidate forwarded the above City staff response but did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

Absolutely, I would support pausing the removal of the indoor dome. It makes no sense to remove it. The city will take possession on December 18. Why not wait until a new council sits before any decision is made.

The tennis club and some provide a great opportunity for youth to be active and healthy and I would evaluate and support any model that makes sense, to keep this facility.

Since Nanaimo has one of the smallest facilities for its size. I believe with over 100 people involved it is something Nanaimo needs.

Yes I would pause the removal of the facility until the city and public consultation period is over. I support having available activities for the citizens and it makes no sense to destroy a functioning facility now before the consultation. Perhaps some of it can be salvaged.

I would assume this would be part of the consultation process, and until there is a decision on the next steps, or until the financial commitments for the city are discussed. Until then it's hard to make commitments without having all the information.

A big role, Nanaimo is a large enough municipality to have a need for this type of facility. This actually ties into the addictions crisis as well, if young adults have options for extra curricular activities, they will be less likely to go down a wrong path. I have kids and want as many options for them as possible for healthy hobbies.

Absolutely, public deserve their voice being heard.

Indeed a proper evaluation should be completed prior to movement of council.

Recreation is important for Nanaimo's physical and mental well being.

Yes. I would support pausing removal of the Westwood Lake indoor tennis facility until the City has completed public consultation and assessed whether year-round indoor tennis can feasibly be retained.

The City is purchasing 2367 Arbot Road for $2.88 million to expand Westwood Lake Park. The club is scheduled to close on November 1, 2026, the bubble is to be removed, and the City takes ownership on December 18. Outdoor courts are expected to remain for public use, but this is Nanaimo’s only indoor tennis facility. Expanding park access is a legitimate goal. Removing an existing year-round recreation asset before residents have been properly consulted, and before cost, condition, and feasibility have been assessed, is not. A short pause lets Council hear from users, neighbours, and the wider public before a hard-to-reverse step is taken.

Yes. I would support evaluating nonprofit, lease, partnership, or other operating models before the indoor facility is removed.

The City has said it does not intend to operate the site as a tennis club. That does not mean demolition is the only option. A community nonprofit, a lease to a racquet-sport operator, or a partnership with Tennis BC or Tennis Canada should be costed and compared with removal. The City has already indicated it is speaking with Tennis BC and Tennis Canada about indoor options, but no firm plan is in place. If a model can keep indoor courts open at a reasonable public cost while still improving park access, that should be preferred to losing the asset.

Year-round indoor racquet-sport facilities should be treated as core recreation infrastructure in Nanaimo’s long-term planning, not an afterthought.

Tennis and related sports support fitness, youth programs, and social connection through the wet months, when outdoor play is limited. Planning for the Westwood Lake expansion should protect public access and the lake’s character, and should also decide whether indoor courts can remain on site or be replaced elsewhere before the bubble comes down. Once that capacity is gone, replacing it will be harder and more expensive.

In my past council term in Parksville 2018-2022 there was a very healthy appetite to expand indoor and outdoor facilities.

Here’s my readers digest view on this subject

I’ve never been in favour of dismantling perfectly good infrastructure in any situation. I find the costs to be extreme and the reading to be short sighted. It takes a lot of thoughtful dialogue to find a solution to these issues. I am willing to discuss any issue that needs addressing.

I would most certainly want to question this decision and we would need to hear from all parties involved. As mentioned above, I’m not in favour of taking away something that can be restructured or possibly funded with potential grant money or otherwise. I also understand the cost of maintaining these facilities, so it needs to be looked at with a 360 view.

Yes that would make the most sense, in the case of the parksville curling club and the parksville Lawnbowling club the city essentially did just that.

I believe that we need more engagement with healthy lifestyles through sports. It has been the foundation of communities since I was a kid back in the early 60’s. It’s a part of the fabric of living in a community. We need to continue fostering these activities.

I would need more information about the structure's safety and feasibility before supporting a pause. If the dome cannot safely be used, we should focus on finding a better solution. My understanding from current councillors’ responses is that a study has been completed regarding the facility, but I have not had access to that information. I would want to review it before taking a firm position.

I would be open to exploring those options if the structure has been deemed safe to use.

They should be part of Nanaimo’s long-term recreation planning. I support exploring accessible indoor tennis and pickleball facilities at Beban, which sounds like it is already being considered through the master planning process.

Public consultation and proper assessment is important and I would want to ensure the decision made around this matter is in the best interest of our community.

Yes

I'd love to chat with the people who benefit from these facilities, as well as evaluate the benefits to the community and Nanaimo more generally in order to make an informed decision about the role of year-round indoor racquet sports.

I think I would ask if there is a better location for a newer facility. Would the portion of our community that enjoys racquet sports be better served by a more central location?

I think that an arrangement like the paddlesports users have with the facility at Loudon Park could make sense if there was a nonprofit racquet sport association willing to take it on.

I don't see why year-round racquet sport facilities shouldn't make up part of our community's offerings.

Please find my answers below. If there is a non-profit that is ready and willing to take over maintenance and operations of the facility then they should get a proposal in ASAP. The last council meeting is October 5th and a new council will not be sworn in until November 9th. The first regular council meeting after the election is November 16th.

Yes, I would support pausing removal of the Westwood Lake indoor tennis facility until there is a public consultation. It has been known for years that the current owners and operators of the tennis club had no intention of keeping this facility open, they planned to rezone the property for development. The city purchased the land, not the business.

It may be feasible to keep this facility standing for a few more years if there is a non-profit that is prepared to maintain and operate the facility. This facility has been assessed as being beyond its useful life span so keeping it operational beyond a few years would require a major retrofit.

An indoor racket sports facility has been contemplated as part of the Beban Park Master Plan. In the long term I think this is the best plan and I am supportive of this idea. Beban Park is easily accessible to residents across the city via transit, active transportation and motor vehicle.

Yes, I support evaluating proposals from a non-profit organization to lease this facility and operate it in the near term. There will be a full public consultation for the long-term plans for this property in the future and it will be up to residents to decide what works best for the whole community. I support the idea of a non-profit operating the current facility while plans for indoor tennis are developed for Beban Park. I do not think it is a wise use of tax dollars to retrofit the existing indoor tennis facility at Westwood Lake. According to city staff, this facility needs a very expensive retrofit to continue operating for much longer.

Year-round indoor racquet sports facilities play an important role in Nanaimo’s recreation plans. The City owns and operates pools, ice rinks, gyms, sports fields and other sports facilities for a wide variety of sports and interests. Facilities that help keep people active and fit are important for the health and wellbeing of our community. I support a year-round indoor racquet sports facility being added to Beban Park.

Based on the information currently available, yes.

I would support a short, clearly defined pause while the City determines the condition and remaining useful life of the facility, the costs involved, any contractual obligations, and whether there is a financially viable way to retain year-round indoor tennis.

My concern is the sequence. The City has indicated that community consultation will help determine the future use of the property, yet the indoor facility is scheduled to be removed before that process occurs.

Removing it is an irreversible step. I would prefer to have the relevant information and realistic options in front of council before closing that door.

A pause, however, should not be interpreted as a commitment to retain the facility regardless of cost or feasibility.

Yes.

Before an existing year-round recreation facility is removed, I believe it is reasonable to determine whether a credible nonprofit, lease, partnership or other operating model could preserve the service.

Any proposal would need to clearly identify who would operate the facility, the capital and ongoing maintenance costs, liability and insurance responsibilities, public access, and the financial exposure to Nanaimo taxpayers.

If a viable partner can provide year-round indoor tennis without creating an unreasonable long-term obligation for the City, council should understand that option before making a final decision.

Year-round racquet sports should be considered as part of Nanaimo’s broader long-term recreation strategy rather than one facility or one sport at a time.

As Nanaimo grows, council should be looking ahead at recreation capacity just as we look ahead at housing, roads and other infrastructure.

That means understanding current and future demand for tennis, pickleball and other racquet sports, existing facility capacity, opportunities for tournaments and sport tourism, appropriate locations, capital and operating costs, and potential partnerships.

I believe the larger question is whether Nanaimo has a recreation plan that is keeping pace with the city we are becoming.

Yes.

The City has said the future of this site will be shaped with the community. It also said the one thing on the site the community has organized around will be gone before that conversation starts. That's the wrong order. The City's own engagement rules put consulting before deciding. Taking the bubble down is the one step in this whole process that cannot be undone, so it should be the last step taken, and it should be taken on published numbers.

Those numbers are not public yet. Staff have said the structure needs an expensive retrofit to keep going much longer. That may well be true. Nobody outside city hall can weigh that figure against the cost of new courts at Beban, because nobody outside city hall has it. The same goes for the structural assessment, the cost of removal, the cost of leaving it standing through a winter, and how many people actually used it.

I will not promise the bubble stays. If the engineer's report says it is unsafe, or the retrofit costs more than a proper indoor facility at Beban, I'll say so and vote to take it down. What I will promise is the order: the report and the costs published in plain language, the consultation the City has already committed to held first, and the removal decided in public after that.

The City has not said whether removal is the seller's obligation before December 18 or the City's own plan after it. If it's the seller's, council should ask to change that term. If it's the City's, council can direct staff to hold it. Either way it's a decision council can make. If I'm elected I'll ask for that motion at the first meeting I can, and I'll write to the current council before the election asking for the same, because this should not wait for me.

Two limits worth stating. The City bought the land and not the business, so it cannot make the club keep playing between November 1 and December 18. And a pause is not free. A bubble left standing through a winter still costs money to keep up and insure, and that number belongs on the table beside the removal cost.

Yes, and the City does not have to invent anything to do it. There are already nonprofit clubs on City park land, the lawn bowlers at Bowen and the paddlers at Loudon. Those agreements are the template.

My default on contracting out City services is no, so I'll say where the line sits. A nonprofit society keeping a court open on City land while Beban gets built is not privatization. A members-only club on public land would be, and that's the model I'd turn down. So any lease would carry conditions: public drop-in hours at City rates, the LEAP pass honoured so the fee is not the barrier, a route from the parking lot to the baseline that works for a wheelchair or a cane, and staff paid a living wage. With those in, I'll support it.

The reason to look at operating models is the gap. Staff say the future of indoor tennis is Beban. Fine. Beban is years away, and as the club's coach told CBC, every program running at Westwood now disappears in the years between. A short lease with a fixed end date tied to Beban opening closes that gap without committing the City to run a club it says it has no mandate to run.

The same role as a pool or a rink. Nobody waits for the last private rink in town to go on the market before asking where hockey happens next winter. That is what happened here. The only indoor courts in Nanaimo were private, the property sat for sale for over a year, and the City's plan for what replaces them is a location with no date. Staff are talking with Tennis BC and Tennis Canada about the City running indoor courts, and say Beban is the place for it. Good. That belongs in the parks and recreation master plan with a site and a year, and in the five-year financial plan with a dollar figure, so the next council does not get to rediscover the problem.

Two things I'd add.

Design it right the first time. Beban turned fifty this year, and its gym still sits up a flight of stairs. If Beban is the future of indoor tennis, that future gets drawn with the accessibility committee at the table before the concrete is poured. Wheelchair tennis and sound-ball tennis for blind and low vision players both need a dry, smooth indoor court more than most players do in a Nanaimo winter. A wet court is a hazard under wheels, and a ball you track by sound is lost in the wind. Door widths, court surface, washrooms and the route in from the bus stop are decisions on a drawing. They cost nothing on paper and a retrofit forever.

And carry the Westwood standard across the fence line. When people were being shut out of events at Westwood Lake, our committee went after the whole route: parking, trails, matting down to the water, washrooms. The day the City takes the keys to 2367 Arbot Road, that standard applies to the new land too, whatever ends up on it.

A city that works for the person facing the most barriers works better for everybody in it. An indoor court is no exception.

I'll be completely honest with you. I am not familiar with this issue. I am focused on stopping the data centre so it doesn't destroy our ecosystems at Westwood lake (2km away) buttertubs marsh and the millstream river w industrial runoff from that and a new level 2 industrial park. I would be happy to attend and listen. If I am.learning something about this mayor and council is that the majority have a preestablished agenda and that they bog down permits process just to have more control. I think this city could be the city of green development, sports and music culture. I am very grateful to live in a place where we have options for all. And its a shame to take away any sport club/field/court and track. Our future Canadian legends deserve the opportunities. Please feel free to send me any literature you have and I'll be sure to arrive more informed.

The candidate did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

The candidate did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

Yes, I would support pausing the removal of the Westwood Lake indoor tennis facility until full public consultation has taken place and all operating models have been properly assessed.

As an avid tennis player myself, I understand how important year‑round indoor tennis is for youth development, coaching, winter training, and accessible recreation for people of all ages. Once a facility like this is removed, it becomes far more difficult and costly to rebuild the programs, infrastructure, and community participation that depend on it.

I’m also raising my family here in Nanaimo, and it matters to me that we protect the activities and community spaces that support healthy, active living for residents now and in the future. Before making an irreversible decision, the City should explore nonprofit, lease, partnership, or shared‑use options and give residents a real opportunity to provide input.

Pausing removal is the responsible step to ensure we make a thoughtful, community‑focused decision.

Yes, I would support evaluating nonprofit, lease, partnership, or any other operating models before the indoor facility is removed.

My priority is to keep year‑round indoor tennis available in Nanaimo, and that means looking at every viable option before making a decision that can’t be reversed. Indoor tennis supports youth programs, coaching, winter training, and accessible recreation for residents of all ages, and losing it would create a gap that would be difficult to rebuild later.

Exploring alternative operating models is a practical step that allows the City to understand what solutions might exist—whether that’s a nonprofit operator, a long‑term lease, a shared‑use partnership, or another creative approach. I want to make sure we fully understand what’s possible so we can protect a facility that plays an important role in our community’s health and recreation.

Year‑round indoor racquet‑sport facilities should play a meaningful role in Nanaimo’s long‑term recreation planning.

These facilities support youth development, adult recreation, coaching pathways, and accessible year‑round activity for residents of all ages. As Nanaimo continues to grow, we need to ensure that our recreational infrastructure grows with it, and that includes expanding access to indoor racquet sports such as tennis, pickleball, badminton, and squash.

I strongly support increasing the availability of year‑round indoor racquet‑sport facilities as part of Nanaimo’s long‑term strategy. These spaces contribute to a healthier, more active community and provide opportunities for families—like mine—to stay engaged in positive, supportive activities throughout the year.

I also bring relevant professional experience to this issue. I previously worked for a major global amusement and leisure company that specialized in building sports facilities and conducting feasibility studies for exactly these kinds of projects. I understand how these developments are planned, financed, and operated, and I would be happy to bring those insights and industry contacts to council. I would gladly support Nanaimo Tennis and other local groups.

Yes, I would support keeping a functioning tennis facility that supports our community. A pause makes sense to have a clear mandate from the community.

I do support looking at real options to ensure that our community can continue to benefit from indoor tennis.

Given the amount of rainfall in Nanaimo I support indoor tennis. Such a facility provides real opportunities for our youth and adults alike to learn, enjoy and become competitive in the game.

The city purchased the land and its use will be determined after consultation with the public. The dome was deemed to be at end of life and too costly to repair and bring to safety standards. After a meeting with Tennis Canada, a few years ago, indoor tennis and pickleball courts will be looked at with the Beban master plan review.

The candidate did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

The candidate did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

The candidate did not provide separate answers to the three candidate questions.

If the city staff decide, the tennis can be saved at a reasonable and economical manner at that location than I am totally in favour of it. I strongly believe it’s important to have a tennis club in Nanaimo.

I 100% support looking for ways to keep tennis in that facility on that land.

I think it’s important to have indoor sports and tennis has been very popular and I think the city staff have to look at ways to try to not only save it, but maintain it for long-term.

Happy to support pausing of Westwood lake until a public consult. I would say that the feasibility study should be ready now, I am assuming it wouldn’t be difficult to get the data given it was a private club?

As someone who’s built his career in the business and non profit world in Nanaimo, I’d be happy to support that. The caveat would be the feasibility study completed which documents number of patrons actively using the facility, and a depreciation report which lays out maintenance and replacement cost.

I grew up playing badminton, and I’m personally motivated to bring padel to Nanaimo and have started doing a bit of ground work for it. I will focus on a long-term strategy to build an indoor facility that will not only house racquet sports but also have enough room and turf for field sports.

I was diagnosed with psoriatic spondyloarthritis a few years ago. Movement and sport help me manage my pain and mobility. I’ve helped raise funds for the kids' sports Nanaimo chapter (Justine Davidson runs that, should you want to verify my work). All I’m trying to say is that the fight for an indoor sports facility that houses as many sports as possible is personal to me.