Council returns serve on tennis club agreement
June 11, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The ball’s back in staff’s court, as Fort Erie councillors have deferred a decision to enter into an operating agreement for the Oakes Park tennis courts.
A staff report at the June 9 council-in-committee meeting recommended a new deal with the Fort Erie Tennis Club, but councillors had questions over the length of the proposed agreement and how much access the general public would have under the agreement.
“We have to find out how much public access we’re going to have there and when it’s going to be,” said Councillor George McDermott.
The proposed agreement would run 10 years with a potential 10-year renewal.
The club would be responsible for insurance, scheduling, events, janitorial and general grounds maintenance, as well as operation of youth tennis programming and security.
Meanwhile, the municipality would be responsible for utilities, waste removal and facility maintenance.
Earlier in the meeting, councillors also approved a tender submission for planned reconstruction of the courts. The $630,000 project will see upgrades to some of the court surfaces, electrical, landscaping and other work.
With a large chunk of town money about to be spent on the courts, councillors said they want to ensure the general public would have appropriate access.
“Access is very important, considering the amount of money we’re putting into the tennis courts,” McDermott added.
The proposed agreement includes a requirement for the club to host six free public access times, provide guest fee rates that are “reasonable,” and offer subsidy programs for those who can’t afford club memberships with youth being a priority.
There would also be a seasonal review of fees and access.
Before they decided to defer the decision, Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes said she was considering putting forward an amendment regarding the part of the agreement that talked about the six free public access times.
“I would like to see much more public access,” she said.
Acting director of infrastructure services Jordan Frost said staff have spoken with the club about opening up public times and a need to find the right balance.
“There’s only so far we can push when they’re operating their business,” he said.
“Based on that and based on the uncertainty…would it be perhaps more advisable to consider a shorter term?” asked Councillor Joan Christensen.
Frost said that was something they could discuss and reconsider, and added he wasn’t sure of the rationale behind making the agreement 10 years.
According to a staff report, the club has been operating at Oakes Park since 1988.
The last lease expired in 2013 but the club continued to operate the site on behalf of the town. It has hosted youth tennis lessons, which seemed to impress councillors, as well as regional and international tournaments.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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