Canmore council serves new plans for pickleball’s growth

Canmore council has approved a plan aimed at addressing neighbourhood concerns over noise due to pickleball while laying the groundwork for the sport’s long-term growth in the community.

CANMORE — Canmore council has approved a plan aimed at addressing neighbourhood concerns over noise due to pickleball while laying the groundwork for the sport’s long-term growth in the community. During its June 30 meeting, council directed administration to investigate noise mitigation measures at Veterans Park, work with the Bow Valley Pickleball Association (BVPA) on voluntary short-term measures, and explore medium and long-term options for dedicated pickleball infrastructure in partnership with the Canmore Tennis Association (CTA) and other stakeholders. The long-term review will examine potential locations and facility options that support the growing demand for pickleball while balancing the concerns of nearby residents.

“We’re excited to work with the council and administration on long-term solutions for pickleball,” said BVPA president Therese Rogers. Throughout the discussion, councillors emphasized they were not trying to discourage pickleball but instead hoped to find a solution that allows the sport to continue growing while preserving residents' peaceful enjoyment of their properties. As part of its short-term approach, council approved a pilot project that will see administration work with the BVPA on voluntary evening restrictions at Veterans Park and promote the association’s Good Neighbour Guidelines.

The administration will report back to the council on the effectiveness of the measures. Mayor Sean Krausert praised the association for taking a proactive approach, noting it had already developed the Good Neighbour Guidelines and had begun exploring locations for future dedicated pickleball courts before the matter came before council. Rogers said the association supports the voluntary approach and will continue encouraging respectful play during its organized sessions.

“I think this was identified today as a pilot project, and we’ll see how it works and what feedback there is,” she said. Rogers noted the association schedules about 30 hours of organized play each week at Veterans Park, while the courts remain available to the public for more than 100 hours weekly. She added the association has long encouraged members to be considerate neighbours by promoting cycling to the courts where possible, reminding players to keep their voices down and assigning session captains to reinforce the association's Good Neighbour Guidelines.

Founded about four years ago, the BVPA now has more than 500 members, including about 300 active players. Rogers said the sport continues to grow every year, attracting newcomers to the Bow Valley and helping people build friendships and become part of the community. Looking ahead, Rogers said the association’s ultimate goal is a dedicated pickleball facility.

“We'll continue to work with all the interest holders,” Rogers said. “We’ve always been focused on collaboration and working together with the Town, with neighbours and with other interest groups on finding solutions.” The CTA also welcomed council’s direction, saying it supports both addressing neighbourhood concerns and planning for the future of racquet sports in Canmore.

“I would say we’re pleased that the council dealt with the noise issue,” said CTA president Carolyne Kauser-Abbott. “Pickleball, tennis ... all racquet sports should be good neighbours. We agree with that.

We’re also very pleased that the council wants to investigate the future of racquet sports in Canmore.” Kauser-Abbott said Canmore remains underserved for racquet sport courts despite continued growth in participation. “I think the council made it very clear that they’re aware and that the municipality, long term, should have more courts,” she said.

“Obviously that’s a long-term investment for Canmore, but the challenge will be figuring out where that goes and what it costs.” Council also directed administration to investigate potential noise mitigation measures at Veterans Park and return with recommendations for consideration during the 2026 budget process. The review will examine options such as physical barriers, court modifications and other measures aimed at reducing noise impacts.

Councillors stressed the investigation is intended to gather information and cost estimates rather than commit to a specific project. Kauser-Abbott said the CTA and BVPA have already been meeting for several months to discuss future court needs and will continue working together as the Town begins its review. “We already have a relationship with Bow Valley Pickleball,” she said.

“We’ve been speaking to them for several months about long-term plans. We have more meetings scheduled.” She said identifying a suitable location for dedicated pickleball courts will be challenging because of Canmore's limited land base and the need to minimize impacts on nearby homes.

“At some point we will engage with the appropriate people on the administration side in terms of planning,” Kauser-Abbott said. “Of course, it’s got to fit in with the larger recreation plan and strategic plan for Canmore. So there are lots of moving parts, but certainly it will be a multi-party conversation.”