Council backs temporary pickleball move

WELLINGTON NORTH –August ice surface installation will push pickleball players off the arena floor at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex until next year.

The ice is set to be installed next month and remain until the spring of 2027. 

Players used to swat pickleballs across nets at the Mount Forest Community Centre, but were relocated to the sports complex after the building was shuttered in April because of failed building and fire code inspections.

Now, players will have access to three pickleball courts in the sports complex auditorium on Mondays between 8:30am and 8:30pm, with Friday games relocating to the Arthur and Area Community Centre. (Regular games are already offered at the Arthur community centre on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings).

Wellington North council endorsed moving the Mount Forest program into the sports complex auditorium during the 2026-27 ice season on July 13, following a June discussion between players and township staff and a subsequent survey.

The majority, nearly 72% of 42 survey responses, favoured staying in Mount Forest on Mondays.

The township explored relocating all games to Arthur, renting gyms at local schools, renting the Clifford Arena in Minto and hybrid options including games in Mount Forest.

Staff recommended a split between Wellington North’s two communities, meaning Mount Forest players no longer have the option of Wednesday and Friday games at the sports complex during the ice season.

Instead games will be played in the sports complex auditorium on three courts on Mondays, with the week’s remaining games played in Arthur.

Typically there are six standard size courts, about the size of a badminton court, available in Mount Forest. Around 26 players attend Monday morning games, around 35 attend Wednesday morning and evening games, and 22 attend Friday morning games.

In Arthur, games are played in the community centre’s large hall on three courts, with around 14 players attending games on Tuesdays and 18 on Wednesdays.

Councillor Steve McCabe said the compromise “seems fair and equitable,” utilizing the township’s resources.

Councillor Sherry Burke said she wants staff working with players to find a more favourable outcome.

In a report to council, community development coordinator Mike Wilson suggested a booking system, more staff time and player limitations may be needed in Mount Forest with fewer courts.

He also warned the sport will take a toll on the auditorium’s flooring, already nearing the point of a $115,000 replacement.

“The timeline to replace this floor will have to be moved up and planned for in future budgets,” Wilson wrote.

He suggested the township could purchase rollout pickleball court mats – an idea favoured by councillor Penny Renken – though council took no action.