In Toronto, concerns are rising among some city councillors about excessive noise levels generated by pickleball players, prompting a call for investigating potential noise restrictions at the courts. The surge in pickleball’s popularity has resulted in conflicts in certain neighborhoods, with complaints from local residents regarding the persistent, high-pitched sound produced by the impact of soft, hollow balls hitting solid paddles during play.
Coun. Ausma Malik, who is familiar with the sport as a player, acknowledges its appeal and growth in Toronto. To address the noise issue, Malik initiated a motion, recently approved by the council, tasking staff to explore methods to mitigate the sound pollution, drawing inspiration from successful approaches adopted by other Canadian jurisdictions.
Pickleball Canada reports a significant uptick in the sport’s participation following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 1.5 million Canadians actively engaging in pickleball, prominently led by Ontario with nearly 600,000 participants. However, the sport’s escalating popularity has also led to a surge in noise-related grievances, as highlighted by Malik citing complaints from residents near Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Referencing successful noise mitigation strategies in British Columbia and Ottawa, Malik’s motion urges Toronto staff to seek insights from these areas. Ottawa councillor David Hill shared that their city’s regulations limiting playtimes and relocating courts away from residential areas effectively reduced complaints, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning and community engagement in addressing noise concerns.
Ian Campbell, president of Pickleball Ontario, noted the sport’s rapid growth within the province, with registered players more than doubling in recent years. Efforts to address noise disturbances include experimenting with quieter equipment and sound-absorbing fencing. Despite ongoing debates, Campbell believes that coexistence between pickleball enthusiasts and the community is achievable through mutual understanding and dedicated facilities.
City staff in Toronto are responding to the escalating demand by upgrading 25 pickleball courts across the city, with a new complex in Centennial Park scheduled for next year. However, an increase in noise complaints around these facilities has been noted, prompting the need for innovative solutions to balance the sport’s popularity with community concerns.
John Cameron, head of the Etobicoke Pickleball Association, highlighted the group’s significant growth and emphasized their proactive approach to noise management by respecting playing hours and neighbors. As the city continues to enhance pickleball infrastructure, considerations for noise mitigation strategies are integral to fostering harmonious relationships between players and residents.
Malik’s motion underscores the importance of incorporating potential regulations for pickleball within the city’s recreational facilities study, signaling a proactive stance towards addressing noise issues. The timeline for presenting these recommendations to the council remains unclear, pending the completion of the ongoing review process.