Erin council to consider funding portion of tennis court repair work in 2024 budget

ERIN – Treasurer Wendy Parr will include $150,000 for repairs at the Erin Tennis Club in the town’s 2024 capital budget considerations.

In August, club president Andrew Salisbury asked council to pitch-in cash to fix degrading tennis courts at Centre 2000.

Council heard long-term repairs to asphalt and court surfaces are estimated to cost $250,000, and Salisbury suggested the club would contribute $100,000 with the town chipping in $150,000.

At the behest of councillor John Brennan, council directed staff to return with a report and recommendation on the request.

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In a September report back to council, Parr noted a town-initiated building condition assessment by the Pinchin Group recommends repairs and re-coating at costs ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 every two years.

The report notes the club has operated independently since 2018.

It was Brennan who asked again last month where money would come from for the repair work.

Parr said little remains in the town’s tennis court reserve fund, but another reserve, for Centre 2000, could be used because the town owns the land at the community centre, where the courts and building are located.

Brennan asked Parr to choose whatever financing method most benefited taxpayers.

The funding amount will be voted on by council come budget approval time, which town officials expect to happen in December.

If council ultimately approves the funding, a tender will be issued for the work.