 16°C |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | ||||
 |  |  |  |  | | | |
| 19° | 11° | 10° | 12° | ||||
| 7° | 7° | 8° | 8° | ||||
$800,000 Racket Over New Tennis Courts
August 1, 2011 | 
Author Author: A. Furtado, Citizen Journalist
Tennis courts may be the name of the game, but for Central Saanich taxpayers, the score could be ‘love’ when they see the price tag. According to Rosalyn Tanner, Director of Financial Services for Central Saanich, construction costs are expected to reach $798,800. This amount is more than triple the original budget set in 2006, when the council of the day allotted $262,000 for replacement costs. The initial plan was to replace the existing two tennis courts at Centennial Park in their original location. The project was deferred however, pending a consultant’s redesign of the entire Centennial Park.
When the new design was completed, the plan included moving the tennis courts to a new location across the street from Centennial Park on the corner of Wallace Drive and Hovey Road. In February 2010, the present council approved the relocation and this decision added $428,000 to the previous council’s $262,000, for a new budget of $690,000. In September 2010, funding was approved and the contract was awarded to Saanichton Developments Ltd.
The project began the following month. During excavation, the contractor discovered a buried boat trailer, a decommissioned well and other surprises that changed the scope of the work. The land required remediation and costs escalated a further $108,000. A memo from Bonnie McKenzie, Manager of Community Services, stated “…the actual requirements could not have been predicted until the work was underway.” On January 10, 2011, Council approved a final total budget of $798,800 and authorized staff to create the necessary borrowing documents.
- Photo by Ed Johnson. Panorama Courts
Councillor Ron Kubek, Parks and Facilities Committee Chair and Panorama Recreation Commission member, was asked what Council’s reasons were for relocating the tennis courts. Mr. Kubek informed Saanich Voice Online, that due to the new “Media Relations Policy” which Council unanimously passed in June, councillors are no longer allowed to speak to the media on behalf of Council and all inquiries must be directed to the Mayor. Mayor Mar responded by saying, “The biggest reasons to move them across the street was because of the tree roots and the shade.”
In addition to the three new tennis courts at Centennial Park, tennis players on the Peninsula can find an outdoor tennis court in Saanichton behind Thrifty Foods, six tennis courts in North Saanich and three tennis courts in Sidney. Panorama Recreation also has two outdoor tennis courts and four indoor tennis courts. Eric Knoester, Tennis & Racquet Coordinator for Panorama Recreation acknowledges that it is difficult to track the demand for outdoor tennis, but he believes that, “On the peninsula there is a shortage of tennis courts.”
Knoester is delighted that Central Saanich decided to take on this project and the design plans for the new courts are hanging on the wall, outside his office door. He explains that when he initially spoke to Central Saanich Council, he encouraged them to build “a legacy facility” that they could be proud of. Knoester also serves as a primary consultant for the new courts, advising Small & Rossell Landscape Architects on the design. He states that these courts are “one of the highest technically built courts in the city.”
- Photo by Ed Johnson. Court Water Feature
Adrian Woods, President of Saanichton Developments Ltd. also believes that these tennis courts are unlike any other. He explains the new courts have a “park-like setting” and offer a variety of amenities such as ponds, peripheral landscaping, a practice wall and more. “This tennis court is designed like the Taj Mahal-there is no other tennis court like it.”
While enjoying a game of tennis on the original court at Centennial Park, recreational players Michael and Carole Steele offered their opinion on the new tennis courts. “All they had to do to this court was paint the lines, which have been neglected forever.” There are some uneven surfaces, but “this just makes the game more interesting.” The Steeles have been playing tennis at Centennial Park for six years and do not recall ever waiting to use a court. “There are just not that many people using them,” says Michael. Although this project will only increase the number of tennis courts by one, overall they like the idea of an extra court, because they believe people should get outdoors and exercise more. Michael laughs, “Maybe more people will come out and play to get their tax dollars back.”
- Photo by Ed Johnson. The Steeles
At this time, the budget remains at $798,800. However, the final amount will not be known until after the project is completed, which is scheduled for July, 2011.
Posted in Community News
22 Responses to “$800,000 Racket Over New Tennis Courts”
Leave a Comment
Mayor Mar says we had to change the location because of “tree roots and shade”, so this administration removed all the trees, except a pathetic little “tree protection” area at the back of the courts. Has Mayor Mar ever looked at the shadows at Wimbledon!?
The best part is that all those wild balls that players inevitably hit can now be chased right across Wallace Drive, instead of into wooded areas or fields. Dumb and Dumber.
The cost over-runs are appalling and it is outrageous that the “Manager of Public Services” says: “the actual requirements could not have been predicted until the work was underway”. … Why else do these “professionals” exist unless managers give the public the costs and values of the facilities that they propose and manage. Triple over-runs are not acceptable.
Central Saanich spin and empire building is out of control.
At least with a council we can vote them out but what can we do when municipal staff fail to do the job they are so well paid to perform? Does anyone know what it takes for a member of the staff to actually be removed.
Yes they did know the well existed and I can prove that.
Yes our opinion on urbanization next to ALR land, which by the way the tennis courts are also on but the “under 2 acres ” loophole was used in order to develop them. We made many many suggestions to STAFF for alternatives including a free donation of having the heritage museum moved to the oaks land and we offered to donate some heritage farm animals and pay all costs to allow the public to see and pay donations for a ‘living heritage pioneer farm”, no one even wanted to discuss anything but what Bonnie Mckenzie had already decided and spent tax payers money on designs. Now the same is happening all over again with the proposed skate board park, whilst the demographics for children were so bad the school board closed Saanichton school! If Brentwood numbers are so much better build it there…….How much over budget will this project be?
A council with the stomach to remove them. My guess would be the next council – but then I intend to be on it to do something – should the voters agree of course.
Oh my, whatever shall we do! The District Staff are unable to estimate a job that skyrockets to over three times it’s original estimate. What utter nonsense! Should there truly have been a demand for such a facility, this would have been somewhat more palatable. However, it is fiscally irresponsible at best. How fortunate our District is to have the ability to borrow money whenever thery fail to examine the need and real costs associated with a project. Unfortunately, we as taxpayers, livinng the real world, are not so lucky. MAEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE MY FATHER-IN-LAW USED TO SAY.
Whats this I see! Mr. Kubek states that our elected officials have chosen to make themsedlves even less transparent. All inquiries and associated response to and from our municipal hall shall be the sole responsibility of Mr. Mar. HOW STRANGE! Not two weeks ago I distinctly heard Mr. Kubek on CFAX radio taking a run at Councilor Vic Derman of Saanich and the CRD Board. He did not sound anything at all like Mr. Mar. Surely his presentation was not scripted and approved by our illustrious Mayor.
Central Saanich over budget on a project?
The Brentwood Bay Business Revitalization was almost 4 times over budget, and still we don’t have the telephone poles buried . . . but the London plane trees (over 43 of them) sure bit the dust in a hurry!
Would the Saanich Voice Online people please update us on all the projects this current council has approved, please?
This is a very good point about cost over-runs. We should also take into consideration that if a tennis court budget of 262,000 can turn into 800,000 (triple), then how much will the 10 million dollar fire hall really cost Central Saanich when that project is complete (which every councilor voted for)? Then let us not forget about the additional tens of millions they will want to borrow to rebuild the police station, town hall and upgrade the old fire hall (you will surely hear more about these projects after the election). There are only 6000 homes in Central Saanich to pay for these projects through property tax dollars.
This Fall we all need to remember that being a “business man” does not automatically mean you are more fiscally responsible then the average citizen who learns how to budget every month to pay for their groceries. Central Saanich had ZERO debt three years ago. Look at what debt is doing to the US right now-more debt means more vulnerability, because now you have to approve projects you may ethically disagree with in order to service that debt.
Voters should keep this in mind when we have an election this Fall. We the people, may not be able to afford to live in our own homes for much longer, if we continue down this path of rapid unsustainable growth. We need more then 30% voter turn out this year to turn this around-please vote this Fall and remind everyone else to vote as well.
Excellent comments. The biggest problem is that we need responsible and articulate candidates who have a vision, are willing to support the efforts that the community has put into Community Plans and have a vision for a sustainable region. We do not need high profile “faces”.
I have never been a supporter of amalgamation, but I would like to see some studies about C.S. amalgamating with Saanich. We both have municipal police forces, we would have a professional fire service, most of the municipal bureaucracy would be absorbed and limit the empire building. Saanich has defined and maintained urban containment boundaries for 40 years, we could be leaders in reducing the number of municipalities in the CRD – 13 is probably too many, we could reduce the number to 11. I would like to look at it.
Just food for thought
I think the rule of unintended consequences is reason enough to stop complaining about every picayune issue you can think of. The blatant narcissism of our local complainers making every decision a conspiracy against democracy if you disagree. Now, …by complaining…Instead of a beautiful CO-OP, you’ll have a giant tent CO-OP on native lands and a 2 million dollar bill to improve the road with no tax income for CS. Since…making accusations about everything — and people listening to obvious baloney — business is forced to build on first nation land to avoid taxes and decades old plans to “preserve” our community. Now we’re getting a Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Costco on native lands east of the highway. Thanks for all the help preserving Central Saanich….Is this what you envisioned?
The Official Community Plan is what was “envisioned” for Central Saanich. None of these big box projects that you mention are part of that plan for our rural community. Building commercial buildings outside the Urban Containment Boundary is also not part of our vision. That is why the CRD had problems with the Co-Op application. The vision that you have Karla, is the vision of Langford and everyone who shares that vision is welcome to move there (goodness knows they have enough homes to accommodate…). Moving there may be a more sensible idea, rather then trying to make CS something that it does not want to be.
Well Karla, I have to agree with you. Thee are so many “residents” who have there head firmly stuck in the sand, or maybe somewhere less sanitary. Sure, wouldn’t is be beautiful if we all lived in eden and all we ever desired was within walking distance and all of our fertile soil provided all the food we need.
Let’s get real, most CS residents have a big carbon footprint because of their actions to stop development. They drive all the way to Langford to get the the consumer goods they desire. This is the worst form of NIMBYism and does only harm.
This is not an all-or-nothing game. I agree that CS is a nice place to live and the ambiance needs to be maintained . But balance needs to be struck. You can’t stop all development as it will occur on reserve. The best option it to manage the growth in a way that delivers services and ensures costs are contained, tax dollars are realized, and farmland is maintained. Face it, the demand is there for more services and stores. If we don’t manage the process and reap the tax dollars, we will still get these stores on indian land and the majority of taxpayers in CS will pay the bill and have no say in the process.
Time to wake-up
Well said, C.S. resident.
I urge all of the members of this wonderful community that had a part in the development and support of our Official Community Plan to view the Youtube clip of Councilor and CRD Director Vic Derman’s interview of August 29th on Face to Face. Mr. Derman eloquently presents the facts. No slippery sloped political vagueness just the facts. Our poltical representatives within CS should take note of what standing up for your beliefs and not that of your puppetmaster.
Karla doesn’t get it. [...] Langford vision belongs in Langford precisely because that was how the Regional Growth Strategy creators planned it. Yep. CS was to remain rural and farmland, Langford was to become the focus of future development. This was a thoroughly debated plan that CS signed on to as a full member of the CRD. Citizens have every right to show concern at increasingly regular cost-overruns, incomplete projects and the looming debt proposed for Central Saanich. I second Mr. Bottrell’s plea that people take the time to read the OCP and think about what is in our best long-term interests.
Here HERE!…
I like your words. That goes for affordable housing and the Woodwynn debacle, as well. Central Saanich, North Saanich and Saanich, outside the urban containment boundary, are the breadbasket of S. Vancouver Island. Not the place for under-funded, over-priced experimental programs. CRD residents can contribute to low-cost housing, but let’s be sure there is a low carbon footprint, services are readily available (including sewer, water, psychiatric, consultative, etc.). People are expensive.
By chance or by desire we live in one of the most desirable climates and places in North America. We have amazing wildlife, amazing natural landscapes and rare ecological systems. Naturally, it is expensive. It’s a beautiful place. As topsoils are removed, forests decimated, how do we not mess it up?
Not very good stewardship so far in Central Saanich.
It’s 11pm on Friday 9th sept. [and] waiting to go to bed but unable to do so as people were still playing tennis., a loud buzzing sound coming from the tennis courts alongside our property was making the dogs bark. The HUGE white lights were all on full BLAST at 10.38pm. People were laughing and chatting loudly as if it was mid afternoon. As I walked over I realised that they were about to put more tokens / money in the slot to keep them on longer, the loud buzzer was warning them of the impending darkness.
ARE YOU JOKING ME! Nearly 11pm at night! Do we have any noise and light byelaws in CS? The rest of the park enjoys peace and quite after dusk, soccor all over the peninsula gets the lights timed out well before 10pm and certainly earlier when close to housing. What happened here is no one thought to provide a lock up facility. No one thought to have the lights on a timer that the public could not control after hours. Like so many things in CS NONE THOUGHT VERY MUCH AT ALL. [...]
If anyone really cares MAKE SURE YOU ALL ATTEND THE UP AND COMING MEETING AT THE FIELDHOUSE RE:THE NEXT STAGE. On the agenda is the old tennis courts, the existing skate park and the toddler playground. PLEASE PLEASE COME OUT AND ATTEND. WED SEPT 14TH 5PM TILL 8PM.
The courts relocation got through because not enough people attended and asked enough questions.
I am responding to Susan Parsons letter regarding the tennis court. This whole fiasco goes from bad to worse. Maybe, in their wisdom or lack thereof, the District are gong to keep it open 24 hours a day as a revenue, “Toll Tennis Anyone”, maker to offset the absolute ridiculousness of the end cost.
I am absolutely agast at how this bully-boy council continues to push things forward at a time when they are so unpopular within the community. I bet know one came to talk to Ms. Parsons about building a tennis court next to her house, or informing the taxpayers of CS that because the Senanus waterline was publicly challenged and lost to the Mt. Newton Neighbourhood Assoc. that we all have to pay to give them water which has been scientifically proven they don’t need, or that two heritage class Italian Poplars were going to be cut down at Shady Creek, or that the district would buy residential land, attempt to rezone it for a fire hall (oh I wonder if that will get approved), apply some dubious process to borrow 9 million dollars (which, based on this bunches fiscal history will become 20 million) and and and……! In the words of an old coach of mine…..THEY GOTTA GO! Only two more months. Now let’s see how many more cronies we can pay back before we depart. Oh well, I don’t even live in the district so you see…..IT DOESN’T MATTER ONE GD BIT TO ME! [...]
…a skateboard park is back on the agenda?… Now we cannot use the ALR land we own to the right [with] a new issue to consider. Our parks department…wants a skateboard park directly on Wallace drive opposite two ALR parcels. We have fought this issue the entire 7 years we’ve lived here and… it’s back on the agenda….whose agenda.
…look at the proposed re-design for Centennial Park. [Plans for] a splash park , even though they removed one years ago. A skateboard park even though it was rejected by a previuos council. The disused BMX track is an example of building for a minority and then demand ceasing. How the hell can we farm a 3 acre piece when the land is clay and soaked for crops and now the livestock harrassed and expected to put up with urbanization on 3 sides. At tonight’s meeting we were told that the skatepark could not go into the core park area as it was detrimental to other park users. Yet it can affect our ability to live and farm 362 days a year and that’s OK…..
Our local elementary school was closed because the school age population is declining yet council wants to build a skatepark for youth whose numbers will be non existant in 10 years. …concrete and graffitti will be a living monument… .
I am done. Forget organics, forget rare breed heritage animals [with this] council…it’s impossible to farm in Central Saanich- Coombs here we come…….
You’re right. This has not been a good administration, actually, probably one of the worst. I’ve seen a lot of administrations come and go. There seems to be a complete lack of vision from most councilors – spot zoning, sprawling infrastructure, unjustified, unsustainable expense for self-interests all on somebody else’s life-style and dime (taxpayers’)
I guess I might be more sympathetic if I knew where the administration was going with their agenda, but I don’t get it. Other than putting a pay as you go municipality into debt that our children and children’s children will have to find a way to pay off, I’m not sure what the empire building is accomplishing. Another firehall for a population of 16,000? Excuse me!
I did love the pink hearts Mt Newton residents put on their “protected” trees. Brilliant.
Oh, what a tangled web they have woven for themselves. Did this council truly think that the CS public were just going to roll over and allow this bunch to do just whatever they wanted? When they knew they were in trouble…..let’s use the bubious, it’s so like ourselves, Alternative Approval Process! Goodbye to know less that four of you, you know who you are come this fall election.
@ Susan Parsons
Good point! 10 years from now there will be no children left in CS to use any of these projects! Also, there will be no seniors left or babyboomers either because alot of them will have passed over! In turn there will be no tax dollars left because there will be no one in CS to pay them except for some stray cats and chickens ,whom also will be the only ones left to feast on the organics in the area!
Besides..,building waterparks,BMX tracks,tennis courts and skate parks are expensive, especially when you consider children and adults can sit in the comfort of their own home and enjoy all these leasure activities sitting on their sofas playing them on their XBoxes much cheaper! All kidding aside…I support fiscally responsible growth that promotes healthy, happy active families to want to move to the area and keep up the legacy of such a great neighborhood. Even the original pioneers of Brentwood were young once!
Strange post, not sure what you are getting at.