Rideau Lakes pickleball courts in South Elmsley were deferred on a 5-3 committee vote
A proposed $67,700 pickleball court project at the Ronald E. Holman Complex in South Elmsley has been deferred by Rideau Lakes Township council as they wrestle with growing uncertainty surrounding potential costs tied to Lower Beverley Lake Park.
During the May 11 committee of the whole meeting, council voted 5-3 in favour of deferring the award of a contract to Ottawa-based BIRCON Construction for the installation of two new pickleball courts at the Ronald E. Holman Complex.
The bid came in under the approved 2026 budget, with township staff recommending approval of the $67,700 contract plus HST. The township had allocated $75,000 for the project.
Manager of Facilities and Parks Steve Holmes told council the work would include regrading an existing granular base, asphalt surfacing, acrylic court coating, fencing and nets.
Holmes also noted the pricing is only guaranteed for 60 days.
“If it goes longer than that, we have to go back to RFP again,” Holmes said, warning the township could face higher prices if the project is delayed.
Coun. Paula Banks argued the township should not move forward with what she described as a “luxury recreational item” while the financial future of Lower Beverley Lake Park remains uncertain.
“We continue to face major unknown costs at Lower Beverley Lake Park,” Banks said, regarding the septic system issues. “We have no idea. Is it $100,000? Is it $1 million? We don’t know.”
Banks later introduced the successful motion to defer the project until council has “a better understanding of the costs associated with Lower Beverley Lake Park.”
Several councillors supported the delay, citing broader infrastructure and financial concerns.
Coun. Debbie Hutchings said she would rather see funds directed toward deteriorating sidewalks and safety improvements.
“We should be responsible and fixing things that need to be fixed before we do something that somebody can play pickleball on,” Hutchings said.
Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield echoed those concerns, saying sidewalks and public safety should take priority over recreation expansion projects.
Coun. Jeff Banks also opposed the project, despite it already being included in the township budget.
“I can’t support forcing stuff onto the taxpayers like higher taxes and putting money into reserves when we’re building fluff and stuff,” he said.
Not all councillors agreed.
Coun. Marcia Maxwell argued the township risks damaging its credibility with contractors by delaying projects after issuing tenders and receiving compliant bids.
“This project has been set aside for years,” Maxwell said. “The nine companies took the time to bid on this project in good faith.”
Maxwell also noted the courts would support recreation opportunities for seniors and future residential growth in the South Elmsley area.
Coun. Ron Pollard questioned whether reserve funds earmarked for recreation projects could instead be used to support the development.
The deferral motion ultimately passed with councillors Jeff Banks, Paula Banks, Linda Carr, Debbie Hutchings and Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield voting in favour. Maxwell, Pollard and Mayor Arie Hoogenboom opposed it.
The matter will come to council for final approval.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Rideau Lakes news.
