Partnering with Tennis Canada for Future Facilities - by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside

There are over 600 outdoor tennis courts within 185 Toronto parks. The City operates 339 public courts that are free and available on a first come, first served basis. In addition, the City has 263 club courts that are currently permitted by 61 not-for-profit community tennis clubs, which offer a range of affordable opportunities for members. The management of club courts is guided by the City's Policy for Outdoor Community Tennis Club Operations. There are also dozens of private tennis clubs within Toronto. Many of the City's Community Tennis Clubs are currently managing large waitlists and multiple third-party operators have identified the need for year-round facilities. Community Tennis Clubs are the primary delivery mechanism for organized tennis on City courts. They do not operate in the winter and do not have bubbles. Sports bubbles are becoming more common in Toronto as demand rises for year-round tennis facilities; currently, the City has agreements with operators of six tennis bubbles. Installation of bubbles allows the City's assets to be maximized, increasing access to residents. Existing tennis and sports field bubbles are well used, and considerable interest has been expressed for additional year-round sport opportunities. The opportunity to work directly with Tennis Canada presents a chance to consider expanding the number of sport bubbles available to residents and user groups by maximizing City resources and accommodating additional year-round tennis facilities. Any partnerships considered for the operation of new year-round tennis bubbles would emphasize affordable community access. Staff should engage directly with Tennis Canada in detailed conversations to determine if a potential partnership is viable. Any partnership must deliver high-quality and affordable recreational tennis opportunities for the community and look to promote equity in access to sport.

2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor(s), to report back by the fourth quarter of 2024 on viable sites along with an implementation strategy, to City Council through the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. 3. City Council request that General Manager, Parks, Forestry, and Recreation, in consultation with the Executive Director Corporate Real Estate Management, negotiate appropriate community access as part of any terms of any arrangement with Tennis Canada resulting from Recommendation 1 or 2, in close collaboration with the appropriate Ward Councillor(s) and after adequate community consultation processes have been undertaken.