‘It’s in a great location’: Penticton Tennis Club makes case to stay at current site

City council has removed an item from the Esplanade Renewal Plan that called for the club's relocation

‘It’s in a great location’: Penticton Tennis Club makes case to stay at current site Published 11:27 am Wednesday, July 15, 2026 It remains unclear whether the Penticton Tennis Club (PTC) will stay or relocate to another site as the city moves forward with revitalization plans along the northeast shore of Okanagan Lake. Penticton City Council on Tuesday, July 14, endorsed most of the Esplanade Renewal Plan — including improvements to the nearby KVR Trail connection and redevelopment of yacht club facilities — but unanimously voted to remove an item that called for the relocation of the tennis club.

Council asked staff to return with a separate plan that involves working with the PTC to explore options for the club, including costs associated with upgrading and staying at its current site (675 Marina Way). “It’s my humble opinion that uprooting the tennis club and finding a new location is not ideal for anyone,” Coun. Ryan Graham said.

“And I think they’re there now, it is a small footprint, and this whole Esplanade can be worked around that.” The Esplanade Renewal Plan is a multi-decade vision for the area that includes a new waterfront park and promenade, as well as the repurposing of the space to support water-based recreation uses. Caught up in those plans is the four-court PTC, with club board members Lori Grant and Cher Watkins telling council on Tuesday they envision staying at their current location with a long-term user agreement with the city.

“Removing the tennis facility from its current location to another city property will likely be problematic, considering existing park space, other user groups, noise, traffic, parking, night lights and the potential for increased costs to the city,” the PTC added in a letter to council. Council was receptive to the club’s concerns, noting that it would like more time to explore potential sites before committing to any relocation plan. “I think the tennis facility needs upgrades, but it’s in a great location,” Coun.

Campbell Watt said. “This could be a win-win. Maybe by moving, it turns into six courts and a better opportunity for a clubhouse.

But the location, of course, is great, so it’s hard to give that up.” Coun. Isaac Gilbert agreed.

He said he supports the Esplanade Renewal Plan, but urged caution over moving too fast with plans involving the PTC. “We’re okay with having the tennis court stay if we’re not able to find an agreement with a suitable location for them in the future,” Gilbert said. Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield even suggested a phased approach to revitalizing the area as the city weighs what to do with the club.

“If we phased it so that everything (in the Esplanade Renewal Plan) except the tennis courts was done, and then phase two could be the tennis court area, which could be dealt with later after a feasibility study, when we know a little more about what we’re talking about with the costs, you know, or potential relocation,” Bloomfield said. The PTC currently operates on a month-to-month user agreement, meaning it is unable to raise funds and apply for grants. In its presentation to council, the club also said it has no running water, requires its courts to be rebuilt and stores equipment in a sea container with no temperature control.

Staying and revitalizing its current location would be cheaper than moving to a new site, the club estimated in its presentation, adding that it would commit to fundraising. “They’ve been there under conditions that are deplorable,” Graham said in support of working with the club to stay where it currently is. “That asset clubhouse that’s been on that parcel hasn’t had utilities for some time.”

The PTC has more than 300 members. It was formed in 1898 on Tennis Street, before moving to a location on Skaha Lake after the Second World War. It has resided at Marina Way since 1975.