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2023 SEASON AND MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
For the 2023 season, MTC will be offering Regular Memberships for tennis and pickleball play, as well as a Pickleball Membership for pickleball play only. Read the FAQ below to learn more.
Last updated on March 21, 2023
WHY ARE MEMBERSHIPS CHANGING FOR THE 2023 SEASON?
On March 17, the Manotick Tennis Club (MTC) was given written notice by the City of Ottawa that we will no longer be able to play pickleball at the existing courts in Centennial Park. This change is due to the high volume of concerns which were raised by nearby residents. Noise was the primary concern. The City owns the courts, so if they say we can’t play, we can’t.
This is not a unique situation for Manotick or Ottawa. Many municipalities are facing similar issues surrounding the growth and popularity of pickleball.
WILL THE MTC STILL OFFER PICKLEBALL IN 2023?
Yes. The MTC board, David Brown (City Councilor) and City of Ottawa staff have been working diligently for two months seeking alternative locations for pickleball play for our members in 2023. Many options have been exhausted, and the current options are:
Outdoor play on some courts beside the Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre in North Gower. The City has offered to paint lines for 6 pickleball courts on 50% of the existing playing surface and make these courts available for the MTC. The courts are lit and we will arrange access to washrooms and safe storage for nets. This option assumes that the City inspects the courts and determines they are safe for play. We are confident they will be deemed safe, as pickleball and tennis were played on them last year. However, the courts are in poor shape and are scheduled for lifecycle replacement (complete rip-up and replace) in 2024.
Indoor play on arena slabs in Manotick and Richmond. The City has offered to paint lines on these arena slabs to accommodate indoor play. We are still working out schedules with the City, but indoor play could start as early as April 15 and will stop between August 31 and September 9. Any schedule for play will have to work around existing arena bookings (i.e. lacrosse.) Indoor evening play, if offered, will be limited and any evening play will stop by 8pm.
The MTC will continue to offer pickleball leagues, clinics, and ladders, and allow members to book pickleball courts at the above locations through our registration system. Our goal is to offer different time options (daytime, evening, weekends) for pickleball programs, although locations may change throughout the season.
I AM A PICKLEBALL ONLY PLAYER. CAN I REGISTER FOR PICKLEBALL?
Not yet. Registration will open for pickleball as soon as we can confirm the programs that we are able to offer.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TENNIS PLAYERS?
There will be no interruption in tennis play. Tennis players will continue to be able to play on courts 1-5 throughout the season. We will be hiring a contractor early this season to return court 6 to a tennis court by removing pickleball lines and painting tennis lines.
WHAT IF I WANT TO PLAY TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL?
Register for a Regular Membership. Members who wish to play tennis will have access to tennis courts, the clubhouse, and will also be able to book pickleball courts and participate in pickleball programs.
WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP PRICES?
MTC membership rates for 2023 remain the same as 2022 for all members. Although inflation has risen significantly (almost 7%) in the last year, we have not increased our member rates in acknowledgement that there will be some adjustments for members. Pickleball pricing will be determined once we know the details of what we will be able to offer.
Once available, prices can be found on the membership page.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PICKLEBALL IN OTTAWA?
At this time, pickleball players are still able to play pickleball on public courts in other parks, and at other clubs. If complaints are received with respect to other locations, the City will review the situation and make a decision as to whether pickleball can continue at that site.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PICKLEBALL AT THE MTC IN 2024 AND BEYOND?
At this time, club board members and the City are committed to working together to provide playing opportunities for pickleball now and in the future. Although we cannot play pickleball in Centennial Park outdoors, we are investigating other playing locations. The club is continuing to set aside operating surplus to fund capital expansion. But the future of the club is in the hands of our members, so we hope you will join us while we navigate these changes.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
HOW MUCH IS A MEMBERSHIP AT MTC?
We have rates for adults, juniors, seniors and families. Please go to our membership page for this season's prices.
WHAT IF I WANT A REFUND ON MY MEMBERSHIP?
All memberships are non-refundable.
WHAT DO I GET WITH MY MEMBERSHIP?
In addition to our member benefits, you will receive an electronic key fob which will need to use to access to the courts and clubhouse. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons we did not hand out electronic key fobs. In 2022 we will be communicating to all our members how they can pick up their key fob.
Members can also vote in our Annual General Meeting.
WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER?
You can still sign up for tennis or pickleball lessons if you are not a member. You can also be the guest of another member for a $10 fee per court booking, for a maximum of 3 visits per season. Or you can join us for free at one of our open houses!
WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO REGISTER ONLINE?
At this time, to maintain the safety of volunteers and staff, only online registration is available.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE COURTS?
All members will need to bring their electronic key fob to access the courts.
Unless you are attending one of our tennis or pickleball programs, you will need to book a court before arriving.
Tennis players can scan the fob for entry into the club house and through to the tennis courts.
Pickleball players are asked to scan their fob at the club house and proceed to the side gate door. You can use the lock code provided to members to open the side gate.
WHAT IF I LOSE MY ELECTRONIC KEY FOB?
Please contact us at info@manoticktennisclub.com and let us know. There is a $10 fee for new and replacement electronic key fobs.