PickleballCANADA
RAISING THE ROOF IN VERNON , BRITISH COLUMBIA
Canadian pickleball players are raising their paddles in praise of the Vernon Pickleball Association ( VPA ), and its momentous accomplishment in building Canada ’ s largest 12-court , enclosed dedicated pickleball facility . The VPA Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex ( OWA ) will now offer year-round play , and as well , it paves the way for future players for many years to come .
Vernon is a small , dynamic and picturesque city of 50,000 located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia , approximately three hours north of the U . S . border at Washington state . Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and three lakes , Vernon and its surrounding area offers 20 golf courses , awardwinning wineries , cideries , hiking , biking , a world-class ski resort , five provincial parks and vast beaches . Needless to say , there ’ s something for everyone in Vernon .
The VPA has a very active membership of more than 500 . In 2018 , the club was instrumental
By Linda Jefferies
in having a dedicated 14-court pickleball site built at its current location at Marshall Field , with funding assistance from the City of Vernon as well as contributions from the VPA membership and community partners . The dream , however , didn ’ t stop there . One member , Don Friesen , was instrumental in taking the lead in pursuing the possibility of enclosing the existing courts to create a yearround playing facility — no small feat .
The needed funds were garnered mainly from the CPA membership who personally contributed over $ 1.2 million to fund the capital cost . Over 250 members purchased debentures , made donations and pre-paid playing fees , and as well , the City of Vernon funded the development cost charges related