(Left to right): Rob Irving, Myron Hocevar, Mayor Victor Cumming, Don Friesen and Ian Phillips inside the newly opened OWA Pickleball Complex. (Submitted photo/City of Vernon)

By Pete McIntyre

largest in Canada

New Vernon facility will capitalize on fast growing sport

May 18, 2021 | 2:12 PM

Vernon is making a case to become the pickleball capital of Canada.

The Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA), in conjunction with the City of Vernon, have announced that the Okanagan Wealth Advisors (OWA) Pickleball Complex in Marshall Fields has opened.

The complex is believed to be the largest, covered dedicated pickleball facility in Canada.

More than 1,000 volunteer hours went in to the construction of the roof/enclosure over the 14 pickleball courts, which took place over the course of six months. As of Saturday, May 22, the facility will be available for bookings in a limited capacity by VPA members and the general public, with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

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“This project happened because the VPA members personally contributed over $1.2 million to fund the capital cost,” Rob Irving, Building Committee Chair, said. “Over 250 members purchased debentures, made donations and pre-paid playing fees to ensure this would become a reality for Vernon.”

In addition, the city funded the applicable Development Cost Charges (approximately $212,000) for the outdoor courts to be transformed into an indoor facility.

In 2018, 14 outdoor courts were constructed with funding assistance from Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B & C of the Regional District of North Okanagan, as well as contributions from VPA members and community partners.

The newly constructed Quonset-style structure has steel trusses and a fabric covering and designed to provide perfect playing conditions year round. The roof is 55’ high and there are four furnaces, eight huge fans and 12 light clusters with over 32 kilometres of electrical wire within the complex.

The complex also includes an on-site RV-style washroom facility.

“This was only possible with the help of many VPA volunteers who brought their relevant skills, expertise and experience to the project,” Don Friesen, VPA member and Building Committee Construction Manager, stated. “Major business support for the court enclosure came from Guard-All Building Solutions, Rennie Equipment Inc, MacroAir, Air Tech Mechanical, FH Electric and MQN Architects, as well as numerous local businesses stepping up in the way of sponsorship.”

Mayor Victor Cumming called it an exciting addition for the community as he congratulated the association on the accomplishment.

“The VPA is a strong advocate for this rapidly expanding sport—both here in Vernon and across the country—and for the positive impact a facility like this can have on Vernon. We’ve already heard this facility is garnering a lot of interest from our residents, visitors, and those who want to relocate to the North Okanagan,” Cumming said.

With the upgrade to an indoor facility, and to comply with province-wide restrictions, some access conditions have changed.

In order to play:

• Courts must be booked in advance through the VPA website (no drop-ins are allowed)
• Everyone must adhere to the COVID-19 safety measures (see video link here)
• Up to 6 hours of public access will be provided each day, except for during tournaments or special events
• The cost for general public play will be $15.00 per person (to a maximum of $60.00 per court) for two hours of play

For more information about the Vernon Pickleball Association, how to become a member or how to book a court, visit www.vernonpickleball.com.