EXCLUSIVE: An eight-court outdoor tennis facility has been proposed for Saanich’s Blenkinsop Valley, Citified has learned.

 

Planned for a multi-acre lot adjacent to the Mount Douglas Golf Course (MDGC), the courts (all aligned north-south) will be situated at 4225 Blenkinsop Road on an undeveloped piece of agricultural reserve land between MDGC’s clubhouse and Blenkinsop Road.

 

Proponent Monarch Holding Ltd’s application for a non-farm use of the excess land is currently before the municipality with approvals expected by year’s-end. Construction of the courts could proceed shortly thereafter.

 

Tennis is an increasingly popular sport throughout the Capital Region where some 30 public and private facilities are available to players year-round. As demand grows, private courts – such as Bear Mountain’s upcoming eight indoor/outdoor clay tennis courts – are expected to alleviate growing queues.

 

Meanwhile, the sport’s slower-paced cousin, badminton, has also enjoyed a local resurgence in recent years despite the lack of courts. Growing demand has spurred Saanich's Cordova Bay Community Club to propose a four-court indoor badminton facility adjacent to its existing recreation centre along the 900-block of Sutcliffe Road. The proposal is currently before the municipality. C