Concerns about a lack of public input have delayed a decision on a proposal to build eight clay tennis courts on public green space behind the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.
The proposal was originally set to be presented to Saanich officials in June, but the date has been pushed back to fall.
“We would be criticized if we were to have it over the summer months [when] people are off and away on vacation,” said Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard.
The Cedar Hill Clay Tennis Court Society wants to build eight courts on the site of two baseball diamonds.
The finished project, including fully lit courts and a player pavilion, would cost $1.3 million. Of that, the society hopes to get $350,000 from Saanich in the form of a $250,000 interest-free loan to be paid back over five years and a $100,000 grant.
The facility’s operating costs would be covered by a yearly membership.
The proposal has faced backlash from the community, with residents saying they were unaware of any plans to develop the baseball diamonds and are worried about the loss of public space.
The Quadra Cedar Hill, Mount Tolmie and Camosun community associations met with Leonard in mid-June to discuss their concerns.
One was the size of a sign outlining the potential development, described as too small by the community groups. It has been replaced with a larger sign.
“People should be aware of the issue right now and people should be able to examine the proposal,” said John Schmuck, the president of the Quadra Cedar Hill community association.
The Quadra Cedar Hill association had led the push for other community groups to be involved in the process.
The proposal should be presented to Saanich this fall. Leonard said the date depends on the tennis society submitting their proposal and documents.
