Council agrees to new model for Oakes Park tennis courts

It’s taken a lot longer than most expected, but town staff have finally served up a solution for the Oakes Park tennis courts that councillors could support, though it may mean a hiatus for the Fort Erie Tennis Club.

The town will be moving to a new model for the reconstructed courts at the town park. It will see times reserved for paid members, other blocks set aside for various clinics and tennis lessons, and the remainder open to the public.

This was the second of two options staff presented, and the one they recommended. Option one would have seen the town simply rent out the courts on an hourly basis through an online booking system.

“I’m good with at least trying option two, seeing how it works out and then we can come back and revisit this if needed,” said Councillor Nick Dubanow.

Staff and council wrestled for months with how to approach the courts following extensive municipal dollars spent on renovations. The Fort Erie Tennis Club has operated the courts since 1988, but with the renovations finished the municipality wanted to ensure fair public access.

For months they struggled to come up with an agreement with the tennis club before councillors directed them in February to abandon the previous approach in favour of one where the Town takes primary stewardship of the courts.

In the updated report, staff said the club has voted to take a pause for the 2026 season, though Manager of Recreation and Facilities Kristina Clint said the club may not fully disappear this summer, and members could offer support in a different capacity.

“I think they’re willing to work with the Town from a programming capacity and we’re having lots of discussions with how we can move forward,” she said.

There was seemingly some friction between the municipality and club as discussions took place, something Councillor Tom Lewis referenced at the meeting. However, while new to her role, Clint said her experience with the club has been positive so far.

“I’m excited to be able to work with them,” she said.

The report proposed fees of $13 for hourly court rentals, a $20 private instructor fee, membership fees of $100 for adults and $50 for kids, and per class clinic and lesson fees between $20 and $25.

Exact schedules for the courts will need to be determined. However, the report included an example schedule that would see member access weekday mornings and a couple of weekday evenings, lessons for women, children and seniors on weekday evenings, and clinics for beginners once a week. The remaining time would be open access.

The report also outlines a code of conduct and some general guidelines for when there are more players than courts available.

Staff identified just over $28,000 in costs to get the new model up and running. These include a new fob system and gates, security upgrades, new signage and nets. They also left open the possibility of using some of the courts for pickleball in the future.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe