Kelowna Election Guide for Tennis Players

The questions

As sent to non-incumbents. Incumbents received different wording for some questions.

1. 1

   The City's agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada (TCC) has not been made public. If elected, would you seek to find out whether it includes a completion deadline and default provisions, and share what you can with residents?

   Wording sent to incumbents

   Has council been briefed on whether the City's agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada (TCC) includes a completion deadline and default provisions? What can you share publicly?

2. 2

   If elected, will you ask staff for a public status report on the project within your first 60 days in office? A yes or no answer would be appreciated.

   Wording sent to incumbents

   If re-elected, will you ask staff for a public status report on the project within your first 60 days in office? A yes or no answer would be appreciated.

3. 3

   If TCC cannot secure financing by a set date, what would you support: finding another operator, the City completing the courts itself, or another option?

4. 4

   Kelowna currently has a single 3-court indoor facility, shared with pickleball. If elected, would you support setting a target for indoor and outdoor tennis courts relative to population, so that court supply keeps pace with the city's growth?

   Wording sent to incumbents

   Does the City have a target for indoor and outdoor tennis courts relative to population? If not, would you support creating one?

5. 5

   Would you support a public progress page for major recreation capital projects, with regular updates, so residents aren't relying on news stories and rumours for information?

Follow-up questions, after the City ended its TCC agreement

Every candidate received the same wording.

1. 6

   As we understand it from the City's meeting on the announcement, the outdoor courts will be finished but the dome depends on finding a partner to run it seven months of the year. If no partner is found, would you support the City putting up and operating the dome itself? Yes or no, and what limits, if any, would you put on the City's cost?

2. 7

   The City aims to finish the outdoor courts in 2027. Will you commit to that date, and to setting a public deadline for deciding whether the dome goes up?

Mayor

• Ron CannanIncumbentReplied Oct 5

  General response

  Ron gave Jin a phone call on Monday evening. He didn't have any details to share about the Mission Recreation Park other than to say he thought it was poorly managed. He was generally in favour of more transparency with regards to publicly funded projects like the tennis dome. If TCC can't continue with the project, he would be in favour of finding another operator to work with. He sounded in favour of more public-private partnerships, so if Global Fitness went away, Jin got the sense he would look to work with another private operator to build replacement indoor courts.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Tom DyasIncumbentAwaiting reply

Council

• Susan AmesReplied Sep 29, Oct 1, Oct 7

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 29

  Yes, certainly

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 29

  Yes!

  3If financing falls through

  September 29

  Yes!

  4Court targets per capita

  September 29

  Yes!

  Our follow-up, October 1

  Would you mind elaborating on your thoughts regarding question #4? Tennis Canada recommends 1 indoor court per 12,500 residents, which means our city requires at least ten indoor courts. However, I understand the need to respect budget constraints. Would you set a target of at least 6 indoor courts for Kelowna?

  Their reply, October 1

  I would support 10 indoor courts. The city has sufficient funds. At the end of 2025, the fiscal year, the city had a net annual surplus of $229 million. If that is the recommended ratio, then that is what it should be.

  5Public progress page

  September 29

  Yes! There is a huge lack of transpancy at city hall.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 7

  Yes, I would support the City putting up and operating the dome itself. From what is published, the dome costs in the order of $3 million. The city is spending in the order of $242 million for the Parkinson Rec Centre so they can spend $3 million or so for the dome. The city operates the indoor pickleball facility as far as I can surmise and the city runs the PRC. The city should be able to operate the tennis dome.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 7

  Yes, I will commit to that date of 2027.

• Les BellamyReplied Oct 5, Oct 9

  1Deadline and default terms

  October 5

  Yes. If elected, I would want to understand exactly what commitments were made by both parties, what deadlines or performance requirements exist, and what remedies are available to the City if those commitments are not met.

  Where the information can legally be made public, I believe it should be. When public land and public money are involved, residents deserve to understand what was agreed to and what is expected in return.

  2Status report in 60 days

  October 5

  Given the delay and the uncertainty surrounding the project, I think that is a reasonable request. The report should explain where the project stands, what remains outstanding, what public funds have been committed or spent, what the current timeline is, and what options are available if the project cannot proceed as originally planned.

  3If financing falls through

  October 5

  I would not choose one of those alternatives before understanding the City's contractual obligations and the costs associated with each option.

  What I would not support is allowing the project to remain in limbo indefinitely.

  If TCC cannot perform within a reasonable and clearly established timeframe, Council should evaluate the available alternatives, including another operator, City completion, or a different delivery model. I would want those options compared based on cost to taxpayers, time to completion, operating implications and the recreational benefit delivered.

  4Court targets per capita

  October 5

  Yes, I would support establishing evidence-based service targets for recreational amenities, including tennis.

  Those targets should consider population growth, actual participation and demand, geographic distribution, indoor versus outdoor capacity, and competing recreational needs. Setting measurable service levels gives Council a much better basis for long-term capital planning than responding to shortages after they occur.

  5Public progress page

  October 5

  Yes.

  In fact, I think that principle should extend beyond recreation projects. For significant City capital projects, residents should be able to easily see the approved budget, amount spent, project status, expected completion date and significant changes or delays.

  Residents should not have to piece together information from old Council reports, news stories and rumours to determine what is happening with a project they are helping pay for.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 9

  I appreciate that your tennis community is looking for clear answers, particularly given the recent changes to the City's agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada.

  However, I simply cannot make an informed commitment on either of your questions without considerably more information.

  I would need to review the staff reports, understand the legal and contractual implications of the previous agreement, examine what funding has already been committed in the City's budget, and understand the potential capital and ongoing operating costs.

  I would also want to hear from the tennis community, City staff and other stakeholders before determining the best path forward.

  Regarding the City operating the dome itself, that is a significant decision with potential long-term financial implications. I would not commit taxpayer dollars to operating a facility without first understanding those obligations and the alternatives available.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 9

  As for the proposed 2027 completion date for the outdoor courts, I would certainly want to understand what is required to meet that timeline, what obstacles remain and whether the necessary funding is secured. The same applies to establishing a reasonable timeline for a decision on the dome.

• Chris BocskeiAwaiting reply
• Doris BregolisseAwaiting reply
• Nikki CsekReplied Oct 10

  6If no dome operator is found

  On your first question, I would not commit today to the City becoming the operator of the dome if another partner cannot be found. Before putting taxpayers into an ongoing operating role, I would want to understand the complete financial picture: what it would cost to finish, operate and maintain the facility, expected usage and revenues, what funding remains available, and what other operating models have been explored.

  I do believe year-round tennis is something Kelowna needs more of, so if the RFP does not produce a viable partner, I would want Council to look at the options rather than simply letting the project stall. But there would need to be a clear business case and a defined limit on taxpayer exposure before I would support the City operating it directly.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  On the outdoor courts, yes, I support keeping 2027 as the target. The City has now publicly stated that intention, and I would expect residents to receive clear updates if that timeline changes.

  I would also support setting a public timeline for the dome decision once the RFP process is underway. This project has already had significant delays. Tennis players should not be left wondering indefinitely what is happening or relying on rumours for information.

• Greg DahmsReplied Sep 29, Oct 9

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 29

  Yes. If elected, I would ask staff to provide Council with information about the City's agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada, including any applicable timelines, commitments or provisions that can be made public. I believe residents deserve as much transparency as possible when public funds are involved.

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 29

  Yes. Once I have completed my Council training and have the ability to properly address the matter, I would ask staff for a public status report on the Mission Recreation Park tennis project. I believe residents should have clear information about where the project stands and what the next steps are.

  3If financing falls through

  September 29

  I would be open to looking at all reasonable options if financing cannot be secured by an agreed-upon date. That could include another operator, the City completing the courts itself, or another approach that makes financial and operational sense for taxpayers and the tennis community. I would want to understand the costs, responsibilities and long-term implications before supporting one particular option.

  4Court targets per capita

  September 29

  I would support having a discussion about whether Kelowna's supply of indoor and outdoor tennis courts is keeping pace with our population growth. I would want staff and the user groups to provide Council with the information needed to determine what an appropriate level of service should be.

  5Public progress page

  September 29

  Yes. I would support a public progress report or online information page for major recreation capital projects, with regular updates. Residents should not have to rely on news stories, social media or rumours to find out what is happening with projects that involve public money.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 9

  At this time, I do not have enough information from the City to properly assess the operating costs of running the dome. However, I would work with the tennis community to explore options, including potential partners and grant funding. If a suitable partner cannot be found, I would continue working toward a solution for who would operate the facility.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 9

  Yes, I would commit to the completion date for the outdoor courts.

  Regarding the dome, I would prefer to see ongoing dialogue and collaboration rather than setting a public deadline for deciding whether it will proceed. My goal would be to work with the tennis community and the City to find a way to make it happen.

• Todd DanielsReplied Oct 1

  1Deadline and default terms

  Yes. I would absolutely want to see the agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada and understand what deadlines, financing requirements and protections for taxpayers are actually in it. If there are parts that legally can't be made public, I would want the City to explain why.

  2Status report in 60 days

  Yes. I would ask for a public status report. I don't even think residents should have to wait 60 days for basic information about a project that's already this far behind.

  3If financing falls through

  I wouldn't pick one of those options until I knew what the agreement says, what has already been spent, what it would cost to finish, and what the alternatives would cost. If TCC can't complete the project, then I think all of those options should be on the table. I don't want to promise to spend more taxpayer money before seeing the numbers.

  4Court targets per capita

  Yes, I think we should be planning recreation facilities based on population growth and actual demand. Kelowna is growing quickly and recreation infrastructure needs to grow with it. I would want staff to show us what the demand is and where the gaps are rather than just picking an arbitrary number.

  5Public progress page

  Absolutely. This is probably the easiest one. If we're spending millions of public dollars on major projects, residents should be able to go to one place and see the budget, original timeline, current timeline, money spent and current status. People shouldn't have to hunt through news stories to figure out what's happening.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Maxine DeHartIncumbentReplied Sep 29, Oct 8, Oct 9

  General response

  September 29

  Jin, I, or the City will have answers to your questions, hopefully, by the end of this week. Thank you

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 8

  Maxine called Jin on the phone. She reiterated that she's committed to building Mission Recreation Park, but when pressed about the dome specifically, she hesitated to commit to having the city finance and operating the dome without knowing the costs. When Jin pressed her to say if she would commit to operating the dome if the costs seemed reasonable, she said she would. However, she didn't put a number to what 'reasonable costs' looked like. She seems to want to wait and see.

  October 9

  Maxine called Jin on Oct 9. She said she met with Doug Gilchrist, the City Manager and that he said he's committed to the dome no matter what. She said she's committed as well.

  No answer to question 7.

• Indy DhialCouldn't be reached
• Crystal DouganReplied Oct 11

  6If no dome operator is found

  If no operating partner is found, I would be open to considering the City operating the dome, but I couldn’t responsibly give you an unconditional yes or set a dollar limit without first seeing the full financial picture — including the capital cost, annual operating costs, expected revenues and usage, and what that would mean for taxpayers.

  I do believe year-round recreation is important, but every taxpayer dollar has to deliver value. I would want to see the numbers and the options before making that decision.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  If the City is currently committed to completing the outdoor courts in 2027, I would support keeping that project moving toward that target. If elected, I would also support giving the public clear and timely information about the future of the dome.

  I think a public timeline for that decision is reasonable. Residents and tennis players shouldn’t be left indefinitely wondering whether the dome is proceeding or not.

• Tim DownReplied Oct 1, Oct 9

  1Deadline and default terms

  October 1

  Yes.

  Where public land and public funds are involved, Council and the public should be able to understand the material obligations, timelines and financial exposure associated with the project, subject to legitimate legal, commercial and contractual confidentiality requirements.

  I would want Council to understand whether the agreement contains financing milestones, completion requirements, remedies for non-performance and termination provisions. To the extent that information can legally and appropriately be disclosed, I believe it should be communicated to the public.

  2Status report in 60 days

  October 1

  Yes, if the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved and publicly reported before then.

  The City Manager has advised me that further public information is expected early next week, so I would first review that information before determining what additional reporting may be required.

  3If financing falls through

  October 1

  I would not commit today to a particular replacement structure without knowing the contractual, financial and operational facts.

  The City Manager has confirmed that alternative delivery options have been considered. I would want those alternatives brought forward with their costs, risks, operating implications and impacts on taxpayers clearly identified.

  Those alternatives could reasonably include another qualified operator, a revised partnership model, or potentially direct City involvement. The appropriate decision should follow a transparent comparison of those options rather than automatically committing additional public money to the existing arrangement.

  4Court targets per capita

  October 1

  I support using measurable service standards to determine whether recreational infrastructure is keeping pace with population growth and demonstrated demand.

  The City already uses several planning documents to guide recreation investment, and its published tennis strategy contemplates additional courts at Mission Recreation Park, Glenmore Recreation Park and the redeveloped Parkinson Recreation Park.

  I would like to see those plans translated into understandable performance measures. Population per court could be one useful measure, but it should be considered alongside utilization, geographic accessibility, indoor versus outdoor capacity, seasonal demand and the competing recreational needs of a growing city.

  The objective should be evidence-based capital planning rather than simply responding project by project.

  5Public progress page

  October 1

  Yes, although I would first build on the reporting systems the City already has rather than create unnecessary duplication.

  The City currently reports on its capital program quarterly and publishes its long-term capital planning documents. The issue is whether residents can easily determine, for an individual major project, its approved budget, expenditures to date, original and revised completion dates, current status and any significant change in scope or cost.

  For significant capital projects, I support making that information readily accessible in one place and updating it regularly. Residents should not have to piece together Council reports, news releases and media stories to determine the status of a publicly funded project.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 9

  No, not based on the information presently available. I would not support the City automatically assuming responsibility for constructing and operating the dome simply because the original private-sector partnership failed.

  The original $2.9 million project contemplated an estimated $650,000 City contribution, with the balance funded through other sources. Municipal construction and operation could expose taxpayers to considerably different financial obligations.

  Before reconsidering direct municipal involvement, I would require a transparent business case identifying the full construction cost, operating revenues and expenses, staffing, seasonal installation and removal costs, maintenance, and future capital replacement requirements.

  Any proposed municipal contribution would require an explicit capital spending limit and a defined annual operating subsidy ceiling, subject to Council approval. I would not support an open-ended financial commitment. Setting an arbitrary dollar limit today, without reliable updated estimates, would be equally irresponsible.

  I recognize the value of year-round recreational opportunities, but every such investment must be considered alongside the City's other recreation and infrastructure priorities.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 9

  Yes, I support the City's stated objective of completing the five outdoor courts in 2027, and I would advocate maintaining that schedule as a priority.

  However, I cannot responsibly guarantee a construction completion date without knowing the outstanding contractual obligations, available funding, procurement requirements and construction schedule. I would expect staff to provide Council and the public with a clear project timetable, budget and progress reports.

  Yes, I would also support a firm public deadline for deciding the future of the dome. I would propose June 30, 2027, as the latest date for Council to receive the results of the new partnership process and make a transparent decision on whether and how the dome proceeds.

  If no viable partner is identified, that outcome should be reported publicly rather than allowing the project to remain indefinitely unresolved.

  My approach to municipal decision-making is consistent across all projects: understand the need, examine the alternatives, establish the full costs and financial risks, determine responsibility, and measure the results.

  The tennis community deserves clarity, and taxpayers deserve confidence that financial commitments are properly evaluated and managed.

• Julia FraserReplied Sep 29, Oct 7

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 29

  Yes. If elected, I would want to understand the City’s contractual obligations, TCC’s obligations, the project milestones, financing requirements, completion provisions and what remedies are available to the City if those obligations are not met.

  I would also support making as much of that information public as legally possible. There may be contractual, legal or commercially confidential information that cannot be released, but confidentiality should not prevent Council from providing residents with a meaningful explanation of the project’s status and the options available.

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 29

  Yes.

  Given the delays, the public investment and the level of community interest, I believe that is a reasonable request. I would want the report to explain what has been completed, why work has stopped, the status of financing, the City’s financial exposure, the contractual options available and a realistic path and timeline for moving forward.

  3If financing falls through

  September 29

  I would not want the project left indefinitely in limbo.

  I would first want staff to establish a reasonable deadline based on the City’s contractual rights and obligations. If TCC could not meet its commitments, I would want Council presented with clearly costed alternatives, including whether another qualified operator could complete and operate the facility, whether there are other partnership opportunities, and what it would cost and mean for taxpayers if the City completed the project itself.

  I would not commit taxpayers to additional funding without first seeing those costs, risks and contractual obligations. My objective would be to find the most responsible way to complete the courts while protecting the City’s investment and taxpayers.

  4Court targets per capita

  September 29

  Yes, I would support examining this as part of the City’s long-term recreation planning.

  Kelowna is growing rapidly, and recreation infrastructure needs to grow with it. The City already has a tennis strategy that considers population growth and court inventory, with additional courts planned at Mission, Glenmore and the redeveloped Parkinson Recreation Park.

  I would like Council to receive regular information showing current capacity, population growth, utilization and projected demand for both indoor and outdoor courts. Any target should be evidence-based and considered alongside the needs of other sports and recreational activities competing for limited land and capital dollars.

  Year-round facilities are particularly important in a community like Kelowna, where weather limits outdoor play for a significant part of the year.

  5Public progress page

  September 29

  Yes.

  In fact, I believe this principle should extend beyond recreation projects. When residents’ tax dollars are funding major capital projects, they should be able to easily see the approved budget, funding sources, original timeline, current status, significant changes or delays and updated anticipated completion date.

  Transparency shouldn’t require residents to search through Council agendas, media reports and social media to determine what is happening with a project.

  Throughout my 15 years as a School Trustee, I have believed strongly in accountability, asking questions and ensuring the public has the information it needs to understand decisions. I would bring that same approach to City Council.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 7

  Yes, I would be open to the City operating the dome if a suitable partner cannot be secured, but that support would be conditional on a thorough financial and operational review.

  As someone who has chaired Finance and Planning for the Board of Education and overseen budgets of approximately $400 million, I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility and ensuring taxpayers receive value for their investments.

  Before committing additional public funds, I would want to understand the annual operating costs, anticipated revenues, maintenance requirements, staffing needs and any potential taxpayer subsidy.

  I would not support an open-ended financial commitment. Any City-operated model should have a clearly defined budget, reasonable cost limits, measurable performance expectations and regular public reporting.

  I also believe we should explore partnerships with local tennis organizations and other community groups before ruling out alternative operating models.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 7

  Yes, I support maintaining the City’s stated goal of completing the outdoor courts in 2027. I would advocate for keeping that timeline on track, with regular public updates on construction progress, costs and any potential challenges.

  I also support establishing a clear, publicly communicated deadline for determining the future of the dome. The tennis community deserves certainty, not an indefinite waiting period.

  If elected, I would advocate for City staff to provide Council with a comprehensive status report, including partnership opportunities, financial implications and a recommended decision timeline within the first 60 days of the new Council’s term.

  While I cannot personally guarantee a construction completion date or a decision that requires Council approval, I can commit to advocating for accountability, transparency and timely decisions.

  My position is that the City has already made a significant investment in this project, and we owe it to taxpayers and the tennis community to find a practical, financially responsible way forward.

  Recreational facilities are important community assets. They promote physical activity, support healthy lifestyles and provide opportunities for residents of all ages to connect.

• Daniel FritterReplied Sep 29

  1Deadline and default terms

  Yes. I practically file Access to Information requests for a living, so I am thoroughly of the opinion that transparency should be standard, especially when it comes to decisions involving significant public funds.

  2Status report in 60 days

  Yes.

  3If financing falls through

  If TCC cannot find financing, then I would think the best case for the city would be to find another partner, and if that proves impossible, then the city should step up and take it on itself. This issue speaks to two of the specific deficiencies I perceive within City Hall, which are 1) the under-utilization of the partnership office directly charged with procuring partnerships like that with TCC (the partnerships office has had the same KPI of achieving 2 partnerships per year since 2017, when it should be scaling its output to the community's needs), and 2) the City's lack of diversity when it comes to its perspective on recreational facilities. Bluntly, we spend a fortune on beaches that tourists love, while offering very few recreational facilities to residents who want to play tennis, hockey, or even just use a skate park.

  4Court targets per capita

  Yes, of course. Full disclosure: I own Canada's biggest gun magazine, so the value of both the health- and community-centric benefits of recreational properties like tennis courts and gun ranges is not lost on me. Financially, providing diverse sporting facilities is a preventative spend for any community that's also charged with the tax burden of health care, but the sense of community such facilities foster is at the core of what makes a city liveable.

  5Public progress page

  Aaaaaaaaabsolutey. In fact, if elected, I'd like to see Kelowna have a "progress" page that doesn't just communicate the completion of recreational projects, but also chart road improvement and other infrastructure projects.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Bal GrewalReplied Oct 9

  1Deadline and default terms

  Yes. As a practicing lawyer, I strongly believe in contractual transparency when public land and funds are involved. If elected, I will examine the agreement for performance benchmarks, completion deadlines, and default provisions, and ensure all non-confidential details are made transparent to residents.

  2Status report in 60 days

  Yes. Within my first 60 days in office, I will formally request a comprehensive, public status report from City staff regarding the Mission Recreation Park project, outlining current timelines, financial commitments, and risk assessments.

  3If financing falls through

  If TCC cannot fulfill its obligations, I support a two-step approach:

  • First: Immediately issue an open, expedited Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure another private operator or a non-profit community sports coalition. • Second: If no partner emerges within a firm timeframe, evaluate completing the facility under a city facilitated model with a strict, pre-approved cost cap and cost-recovery plan to ensure taxpayers are protected.

  4Court targets per capita

  Yes. I support integrating clear "level-of-service" targets for both indoor and outdoor court sports into Kelowna’s Parks Master Plan and Official Community Plan (OCP), ensuring recreational infrastructure keeps pace with our city's rapid growth.

  5Public progress page

  Yes. I strongly advocate for a centralized, online Public Capital Project Tracker. Residents should have direct access to real-time updates on project milestones, budgets, and timelines for all major recreation projects, eliminating guesswork and rumors.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Hamid KhajaviReplied Sep 30, Oct 8

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 30

  100% I would look into these inquiries regarding the agreement. The agreement is meant to serve our community, it fills an important gap that’s long overdue, and the residents deserve to know its details. It’s in everyone’s best interest to be informed.

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 30

  Yes. I would personally inquire myself. I’ve understood the need for such facilities my whole life and we need transparency and timelines. Again, that’s in everyone’s best interest to be informed.

  3If financing falls through

  September 30

  I would support the most viable, timely option. A private-public funding option is very possible. I believe between the city, residents and the TCC, we can accomplish this together. If the lack of funding is due to the operator, perhaps we explore an option there. The project is also fairly cost effective when you consider the benefits gained so perhaps there’s allowances in the city budget too. I would have an open dialogue with the tennis community to move forward.

  4Court targets per capita

  September 30

  Yes I would. Recreation is part of the reason why Kelowna is so desirable so our supply must keep up with demand and population growth.

  5Public progress page

  September 30

  Absolutely I would. This an efficient way of keeping people updated and it lightens the load at the city because residents can reference the progress page. This is a good idea. It’s efficient and helps manage expectations. I think everybody including the city will benefit.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 8

  Yes. I think the dome is a valuable asset and if it can remain solely in city hands, that's not a bad thing. I would support the city solely funding and operating without a partner. Again, I think the value added is much greater than the cost. Once completed, perhaps we could look at bringing somebody on to maintain and operate at a later date. The goal now is to get it done and although I'm on the outside of the inner city workings, it seems to me that $2MM+ is better spent on this project than two pieces of signage.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 8

  I would commit to that date and if there's a delay, there's usually a reason for it so as long as the dialogue is open, the community is generally understanding. The only thing I see that might cause an issue at this stage for a Spring 2027 opening would be Winter weather. If we decide to hoard and heat the project to work through Winter, there's a large cost to that but I think 2027 sometime is reasonable. Yes, I would also commit to seeing a public deadline for deciding on the dome. It's coucil's responsibility and it's not a complex issue.

• Kevin KraftReplied Oct 1, Oct 13

  1Deadline and default terms

  October 1

  Yes. I would seek to understand the terms of the agreement, including timelines, completion requirements, and default provisions, and share whatever information can legally and appropriately be made public.

  2Status report in 60 days

  October 1

  Yes.

  3If financing falls through

  October 1

  I would support a clear deadline and accountability measures. If TCC cannot secure financing by that date, I would want Council to evaluate the options based on cost, feasibility, demand, and the best use of taxpayer-owned assets, including another operator or City involvement.

  4Court targets per capita

  October 1

  Yes. I support planning recreation infrastructure alongside population growth. We should understand current and projected demand and establish reasonable targets for tennis and other recreation facilities so we can plan ahead rather than continually play catch-up.

  5Public progress page

  October 1

  Yes. Major recreation projects should have clear, publicly accessible progress updates, including timelines, costs, milestones, and any significant changes. Transparency helps residents understand where projects stand and allows Council to be accountable for the decisions being made.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 13

  I would be cautious about the City taking on the ongoing operation of another dome without a clear understanding of the annual operating costs and long-term financial commitments. I would want to explore all partnership and operating options first. Any City investment should have a defined budget, a clear business plan, and accountability to taxpayers.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 13

  I would like to see the outdoor courts completed in 2027, but given the current timeline and update, that target may be challenging. My priority would be establishing a realistic plan with clear milestones, timelines, and public accountability. I would also support setting a public deadline for the dome decision so residents have clarity on the project's future.

• Davis KyleReplied Sep 30, Oct 7

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 30

  Yes.

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 30

  Yes.

  3If financing falls through

  September 30

  I would tend to support the City building and finding a third party operator, but I don’t have strong feelings and am unable to make a commitment at this time without more information.

  4Court targets per capita

  September 30

  Yes, much like how I support the same for hockey rinks, swimming lessons, and other sports facility availability.

  5Public progress page

  September 30

  Yes.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 7

  Yes. It's hard to know the reasonable cost estimate for that kind of RFP / RFI without most of the information or solicitation details. I do Procurement for a living, so I wouldn't want to assign a dollar value to it without some kind of internal estimate from a program area or engineering facilitator to provide some of those details. I think I would tender it as an open competition, and see what kind of bids we can get. But if nobody bids, the City should run it. I am confident in saying that it should go forward, but I'm very curious as to why the agreement fell apart in the first place.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 7

  I can commit to that date for the courts, and moving (or voting for) a motion to that effect at the council table. As for a dome decision, I like like to see that done by the end of the March 31 fiscal year so that we can bid for the summer construction season.

• Gord LovegroveIncumbentReplied Sep 29, Oct 7

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 29

  YES WE HAVE BEEN BRIEFED. I CAN SHARE NO MORE THAN WHAT STAFF RELEASED, BUT I AM VERY EAGER TO SEE IT OPENED ASAP!!

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 29

  YES!

  3If financing falls through

  September 29

  FOR SURE!

  4Court targets per capita

  September 29

  YES, OUR PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN HAS TARGETS - WE REGULARLY COMPARE & UPDATE.

  5Public progress page

  September 29

  ACTUALLY WE HAVE THAT ALREADY VIA kelowna.ca/newsroom. PLS CHECK IT OUT AND TELL ME HOW STAFF CAN IMPROVE IT SO I CAN TELL THEM FOR YOU!!

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 7

  Partnerships is the key, so not right now. I expect staff will have a new partner names within months.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 7

  Yes, 2027

  Follow-up questions

  Our follow-up, September 29

  Hi Gordon, thank you for your quick response.

  For question 4 - can you share what those targets are?

  For question 5 - I don't see any updates regarding the Mission Recreaion Park tennis courts. Would you care to comment?

  Their reply, September 29

  I leave that to you Jin, sorry, running hard!

  On question 5, did you watch Monday’s Council meeting? We had an agenda item on it.

  Doug Gilchrist (City Mgr) and/or Mac Logan (Sr Mgr Infrastructure), have the latest updates.

• Teresa MayReplied Oct 7

  6If no dome operator is found

  No, not without a fully costed business case. I would consider City operation only with a firm cap on both installation costs and the annual operating subsidy, approved publicly by council. That cap must include maintenance, staffing and eventual replacement costs. I would not support an open-ended taxpayer commitment.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  Yes. I would support completing the outdoor courts in 2027 and establishing a public deadline for the dome decision early enough to protect that schedule. As one councillor, I cannot guarantee delivery, but I can commit to pushing for clear milestones, public progress reports and accountability for delays. The outdoor courts should proceed even if the dome remains unresolved.

• Trevor McAleeseReplied Oct 12

  1Deadline and default terms

  In the interests of government transparency and stronger communication between City Hall and Kelowna residents, I support the release of as much non-restricted information regarding City of Kelowna agreements and partnerships as possible. That same sentiment applies to this specific agreement with TCC and the details described regarding completion deadline and default provisions.

  2Status report in 60 days

  I don’t consider this to be an unreasonable request. If there is an opportunity for me to put in this request to staff to prepare a publicly-released report, yes.

  3If financing falls through

  The most reasonable course of action here, in my view, would be for the city to either seek out another operator or to renegotiate its agreement with TCC to amend/extend its timeline if financing is realistically expected to be secured in the short-term. As we now know, the agreement with TCC has been terminated, so the former option is most relevant now.

  4Court targets per capita

  There is a great deal of competition among sports & recreation communities in Kelowna to gain priority consideration in introducing, upgrading, and expanding facilities related to and required for their activity. Tennis and other racket sports are widely enjoyed by Kelowna residents, and shared-use courts offer the most community benefit. I would support a population-based target for ensuring sports & recreation capacity keeps pace with growth that includes tennis & other racket sports. In the interests of equity, there are many sports with dedicated player bases who feel overlooked and whom I want city investment into new facilities to be shared between, such as cricket players. Ideally, we as a city should be growing capacity across the board in line with population for sports & recreation amenities, with indoor & outdoor tennis courts being very much included in this.

  5Public progress page

  Absolutely, this is a level of proactive community engagement I want to see more of from the city. A good many Kelowna residents are awaiting with great anticipation the delivery of major recreation-related projects, and official news from a centralized, easily-found source would be a win for community engagement and showing respect to the larger sporting community.

  6If no dome operator is found

  The City itself taking on this role in lieu of TCC represents potentially quite extensive and unanticipated costs related to the completion of this project. I am undecided on whether this is a course of action that I support without seeing detailed cost projections, and I would prefer that efforts be renewed to find a suitable operator to ensure that the dome can be delivered within expectations to the Kelowna tennis community.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  In light of the cancelled agreement with TCC, timelines to completion are thrust into a certain state of mystery and I am uncomfortable making commitments to a date for the dome being ready for use at the present time. Once a new operator and a new agreement are in place, I would like the original ETA on project delivery to be strived for, but realistically we can anticipate a delay to the dome going online.

• Randy MillsReplied Oct 1, Oct 8

  1Deadline and default terms

  October 1

  Yes. I would look into the City's agreement with Tennis Clubs of Canada, including whether it contains completion deadlines, financing requirements or default provisions. I would support making as much information public as can legally be disclosed, while respecting any legitimate confidentiality requirements.

  2Status report in 60 days

  October 1

  Yes. I would ask staff for a public status report. I can't responsibly promise the exact timing before seeing the incoming Council's workload and competing priorities, but this issue is now on my list and I would want residents to receive a clear explanation of where the project stands and what happens next.

  3If financing falls through

  October 1

  If TCC cannot secure financing, I would explore the available options before committing to one. I would want staff to lay out the viable alternatives, including another operator, City completion or another approach, along with the costs, risks, timelines and likely outcomes.

  4Court targets per capita

  October 1

  I would be open to examining a population-based planning target, but I would want to understand the metric before adopting one. I would want to know whether we are measuring tennis specifically or broader recreation capacity, and look at factors such as demand, usage, population growth, geographic access, competing recreation needs, and capital and operating costs.

  5Public progress page

  October 1

  Yes, in principle. If it is practical within the City's IT and communications priorities, I would support examining a public progress page for major recreation capital projects, with a cost-benefit analysis and clear rules about what can be published. It should improve transparency without compromising legitimate confidential negotiations, procurement matters or other information that legally needs to remain private.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 8

  I would not commit today to City operation of the dome or to a specific maximum cost without seeing the actual capital and operating figures, the alternatives available, the City’s obligations, projected use and the other demands on the City’s budget.

  I do believe recreation is an important part of a healthy community. It contributes to physical activity, social connection and quality of life. But Council also has to continuously reassess priorities. Essential infrastructure, emergency situations, housing needs or other unexpected pressures could reasonably take precedence over a recreational project.

  If no partner is found, I would want staff to present Council with the realistic options—including City operation—with their costs, risks and benefits. I would then make the decision based on that information and the City’s overall circumstances at the time.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 8

  I support the City’s goal of completing the outdoor courts in 2027, and I would push to avoid unnecessary delays. I cannot honestly guarantee a construction date when I am not yet on Council and do not have the procurement, construction and project information needed to know what could affect that schedule.

  I would support establishing and publishing a clear decision timeline for the dome as soon as there is enough information to set one responsibly. I would also expect the City to publicly explain significant delays or changes to that timeline.

  I understand why tennis players want certainty after the delays this project has already experienced. What I can commit to is pushing for clear information, reasonable timelines and decisions that can be justified against the City’s other priorities—not promising an outcome or date before I have the information necessary to know whether it can actually be delivered.

• H. MoralesAwaiting reply
• Brian PinterReplied Sep 30, Oct 8

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 30

  I would want to see ALL details of the agreement with TCC including financing plan. I am simply assuming that this is a public/private partnership between the city and TCC, with the balance of the $1.9M needed to complete the project coming from TCC. And this information should be available for ALL residents to see. I believe in a thing called transparency!

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 30

  YES

  3If financing falls through

  September 30

  There are a couple of things here I need to address. I am running on a platform of fiscal responsibility - taxpayer dollars must be spent effectively and target measurable results. That being said, I absolutely support all forms of sport and for all age groups, as it provides a measurable benefit to the mental and physical health of our residents. However, not being privy to the original agreement and the reasons for the delay – I honestly cannot commit to which direction we go. I think in the bigger picture, this situation deserves to be investigated further, and I will 100% commit to doing so. All the options you have listed, along with public/private partnerships (there are a lot of deep pockets in this town) should be on the table to ensure the original commitment made by Council is followed through on and there is value given to the Kelowna taxpayer. I support making realistic commitments and ensuring they are followed through to completion.

  4Court targets per capita

  September 30

  Yes. Furthermore, with the explosion in the popularity of pickle ball I would not want to see it expanded at the expense of tennis. Both sports should be supported moving forward.

  5Public progress page

  September 30

  Absolutely. Transparency is once again the issue here. With the explosion of social media and the number of people relying on it for “news”, we need a simple, easy access to ALL major projects being done at the city.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 8

  As mentioned in my previous response, one of my main campaign commitments is to fiscal responsibility. The City has finite resources and prioritizing where those resources are allocated is one of the most challenging responsibilities of a council member.

  With the information I have before me, I simply cannot commit to the City taking on the project on its own. Would I look at all options available and prioritize it as a recognized benefit to the community, YES - absolutely. My concern with taking the project in-house is two-fold - the upfront capital cost, and the fact that ongoing costs associated with operating it by the City would be much higher than those of a private operator. I would commit to the City fulfilling their financial obligations agreed to in the original agreement and look to partner with a group or deep pocketed donor who may be willing to support the effort. As for ongoing operations, this would be better left to the private sector or another organization.

  At this point in time, with the number of variables outstanding, it would be irresponsible of me to commit to the current completion deadline of 2027.

  I appreciate how frustrating this has been for you and your group. It appears to me that the failure of this project as it was originally agreed to was more to do with issues at TCC than the City. That being said, once again the issue of transparency and communication from the City are being brought into question.

  While this may not be the answer you are looking for, I hope you appreciate the reasoning behind it. And again, I think this is a project that should be pursued but better executed as a public/private partnership than a stand-alone City facility.

  No answer to question 7.

• JC RathwellReplied Sep 29, Oct 8

  1Deadline and default terms

  September 29

  Yes. If elected, I will ask staff to confirm the agreement’s completion deadlines, financing obligations, default provisions, City exposure, and options if the operator cannot perform. The public should see as much of the agreement and the project status as legally possible, with only legitimate confidential business information redacted.

  2Status report in 60 days

  September 29

  Yes. I will request a public report within my first 60 days that states the construction status, total money committed and spent, outstanding work, financing status, revised timeline, risks, and the City’s recommended next steps.

  3If financing falls through

  September 29

  I would support a firm deadline. If Tennis Clubs of Canada cannot meet its obligations by that date, Council must act—not wait forever. I would first examine whether another qualified operator can complete and run the project; if that does not protect taxpayers or get the courts built quickly, I would support the City completing the courts through a transparent procurement process and selecting an operator afterward.

  The project was announced as a five-court winter facility, initially expected to open in November 2025. It has faced repeated delays, and the City has said it is evaluating next steps after another construction pause. That is exactly why the agreement, timelines, funding, and contingency plan must be made clear to the public.

  4Court targets per capita

  September 29

  Yes. Kelowna needs a transparent recreation-facility plan that tracks tennis-court supply—indoor and outdoor—against population growth, participation, and geographic access. Tennis players should not be fighting every few years simply to have a reasonable place to play during the winter.

  5Public progress page

  September 29

  Yes. Every major recreation project should have a public webpage showing the approved budget, funding partners, contracts, milestones, construction photos, current timeline, money spent, delays, reasons for delays, and next Council decision. No more forcing residents to rely on rumours, news stories, or election-season pressure to find out what happened to their money.

  My position is simple: if City Hall promises a public project, it must deliver it—or explain publicly, quickly, and honestly why it has not.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 8

  Yes. My preference is a private operating partnership with clear responsibilities, reliable service, and protection for taxpayers. However, if no suitable partner is found, I would support the City installing and operating the dome itself.

  That support would require a transparent budget covering installation, seasonal setup and removal, staffing, maintenance, utilities, and projected revenue. Council should approve a clear limit on the annual taxpayer subsidy, with public reporting and a review after the first operating season.

  I would not invent a dollar cap before seeing those figures, but I would not support an open-ended financial commitment.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 8

  Yes. If elected, I will support and work toward completing the outdoor courts in 2027. I will also push for Council to set and publish a firm deadline for deciding whether the dome proceeds—early enough to allow installation and planning for the following winter season.

  The outdoor courts should not be delayed while the City searches for a dome operator. The tennis community deserves a clear schedule, regular progress updates, and a timely decision rather than indefinite uncertainty.

• Brady RogersReplied Sep 29

  1Deadline and default terms

  I'd be happy to. I can't necessarily guarantee that I'd champion moving this forward at this point, but I'm a huge proponent of government transparency and keeping citizens a central part of the information loop and decision making process.

  2Status report in 60 days

  Certainly.

  3If financing falls through

  I don’t know enough yet to have an informed preference between another operator, City completion, or another solution. I’d want to understand why the project stalled, what the agreement requires, how much money has already been committed, and what each option would cost before taking a position.

  4Court targets per capita

  I think planning recreation infrastructure against population growth makes a lot of sense. I’d want to understand the City’s existing tennis/recreation strategy and how it determines future facility requirements before committing to a specific target.

  5Public progress page

  I think that sounds like a great idea. I generally think residents should be able to easily see the status and budget of public projects without having to piece the story together through news articles.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Brian RogersAwaiting reply
• Mike RoseAwaiting reply
• Todd SandersonAwaiting reply
• Corey SeverinAwaiting reply
• Mohini SinghIncumbentReplied Oct 5, Oct 9

  General response

  October 5

  Mohini gave Jin a call on Monday evening. She didn't have any details to share about the Mission Recreation Park. She mostly listened and said she will follow up with answers to questions in the near future.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 9

  I am confident a partner will be found. If not yes I would support the city putting up the dome and operating it.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 9

  Yes I would expect to stick to the committed time and date. However if there are unexpected emergencies which result in delays it would have to be completely justifiable with a new hard and fast date set.

• Glendon SmedleyReplied Sep 29

  General response

  There may also be another option that I believe deserves to be investigated.

  I understand that a large building on Swamp Road may be coming up for a court-ordered sale. Rather than looking only at completing the existing Mission Recreation Park proposal, I believe the City should determine whether this property could provide a better opportunity for a permanent indoor tennis facility.

  If the building is suitable, I would want City staff to examine the cost of acquiring and converting it into a multi-court indoor tennis centre, including the possibility of several dedicated tennis courts, adequate parking, washrooms, accessibility, and space for other recreation uses.

  Before committing additional public money to a stalled project, Council should look at all viable alternatives.

  As someone with a construction background, I would want to see an actual building assessment and cost comparison: purchase price + renovation versus new construction, along with the long-term operating costs.

  If the numbers make sense, acquiring an existing building could potentially give Kelowna more indoor court capacity while making better use of public funds.

  I would therefore support asking staff to investigate this property and bring the findings to Council publicly, including the purchase cost, renovation requirements, number of courts possible, zoning issues, and projected operating costs.

  Kelowna needs recreation infrastructure that keeps pace with growth, but we also have a responsibility to taxpayers to examine practical alternatives before spending millions of dollars.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Silverado SocratesReplied Sep 29

  General response

  Hi I remember a question regarding tennis courts in another election. I suggested people think about doing what the badminton club did.. they made their own club. Of a similar note, have you heard of Anderson Place? This is a heritage property that a group is trying to save for the community. It has a tennis court on it! Maybe your groups could work together. I would be open to all the things you asked, but would also encourage helping me with an idea of developing a ward like park play and ride idea. from my facebook run for council page: Homelessness and addictions are better prevented than cured. A stable community is a healthy one.... pun intended, when it comes to me feeding my horses, I am grateful to have food stored for more than a day at a time, and a truck and trailer to get them or friends/funds to help deliver. A main things i would like to see city council get going is a park, play and ride (PP+R)) system, with at least 8 areas or wards that the PP+R is based from, and have it near a main transit section. These could double as centers for a group that goes out in the community and gets to know its citizens while offering some community credits for those who regularly support and maintain the PP+R; I remember hearing that in many indigenous groups, there was no such word as volunteer. It was just what people did. If people felt that there was genuine caring going on, they might care for themselves and others more. I would like to see people at these PP+Rs be able to have their words/ concerns translated to council and council members getting to them. Maybe one councilor to each area at least once a month with the same area for at least a few times in a row. 8 wards....7 and downtown maybe: Just ideas, Glenmore; Rutland; Joe Rich/Black Mountain: Ellison; Mission; Kettle Valley/ Crawford; Central Kelowna ....

  My idea of play could involve having an indoor area at each that could be for mixed use. I am more of a badminton player myself, but why hold it to just racket sports? After designing an affordable one, aim to dublicate it and have little friendly competitions with each as they get figured. I thing that Anderson Place could act as a great model to start making more. True community. They need people to help right now, and maybe you guys could do some unique fundraisers plus encourage the city to match. Just an idea. My university had funding cuts to the sports teams. They developed their own fundraisers and not only were able to fund the athletes, but were able to have a new gym made! Peace

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Laura ThurnheerReplied Oct 5, Oct 9

  1Deadline and default terms

  October 5

  As a strong believer in the value of the contribution that sports plays in developing and maintaining long and healthy lives for our citizens, I am keen to see this project come to fruition. The most recent information seems to be from Adam Seigel, one of the directors of the new indoor tennis facility planned for Mission Recreation Park and comment provided in Castanet on Sept. 4th, 2026. While one provides an encouraging comment on the benefits of the new facility and how every effort is being made to complete the project, the other emphasizes the frustration caused by delays and broken promises. Clearly, the situation would benefit from regular updates and realistic targets being set. The provisions of agreement in regard to the completion deadline and default provisions should be made public and I would ask for this and share with public as long as it was not in breach of the agreement with TCC or in breach of the City of Kelowna tendering processes.

  2Status report in 60 days

  October 5

  Absolutely, YES. There may well be good reasons for the project to have slipped as it has, but I see this as a good time to press reset, update the forecasts, and have regular and realistic updates provided. Reading the many comments on the subject, there is obviously considerable confusion about what has and has not been promised. It is time to remove that uncertainty.

  3If financing falls through

  October 5

  I am reluctant to make any promise without learning a little more. However, the current situation is clearly not working so a change of some sort is obviously necessary unless the current arrangement can be sorted out with realistic targets being set. If TCC is really not coming to the table I would support looking for another operator.

  4Court targets per capita

  October 5

  Once again, although I am keen to see a successful conclusion to the community’s sporting requirements, I would like to know more about ’the numbers’ - particularly the financials - before making any commitment. In general, however, I would support an expansion of courts as availability is so limited in the City.

  5Public progress page

  October 5

  I think this is an excellent idea, otherwise, things go underground and get forgotten until progress reports are called for when overruns or failures are announced. Could apply to both big and small projects undertaken by the City.

  6If no dome operator is found

  October 9

  In general I would support the city helping to fund the dome itself but have reservations about the city operating it. Really do not have enough information at this time to state an opinion on this. Would depend on costs and arrangements made. In general, municipalities are not usually the most cost-effective operators.

  72027 timeline and dome deadline

  October 9

  I would support the completion of the outdoor courts by 2027. A counciillor has little control on project timelines as this would be done by city or an outside contractor. I would support this timeline. I cannot comment on second half of this question as I do not have enough information on the timing of the dome going up regardless of whether it was funded by the city or an outside agency.

• Lee-Ann TiedeAwaiting reply
• Rick WebberIncumbentReplied Oct 7

  General response

  Thank you for the note. Not sure if you saw the news release issued by the city yesterday. (Copied below.) I am not expecting any major new developments in the next week and a half, but the new council will no doubt receive an update from staff early in the term.

  No reply yet to the follow-up questions.

• Rob WilkinsonCouldn't be reached