Community Update: Next Steps and Formal Complaint Filed

Hi everyone,

I want to share an important update on where things stand and what will be happening next.

Over the past several weeks, we have continued reaching out to the Councillor’s office and City staff to request clear answers about how the decision to remove the Birchmount Park tennis courts was made and how the community was consulted.

We have now received confirmation from the Councillor’s office that the City intends to proceed with the conversion of the Birchmount courts to pickleball.

While this is deeply disappointing, what remains most concerning is not just the outcome, but the process that led to it. Key questions about notice, consultation, and how community feedback was gathered have still not been meaningfully addressed.

Because of this, and in good faith, I have now submitted a formal complaint to Parks, Forestry & Recreation requesting a proper review of the consultation process and the removal of the only public tennis courts in our area.

This step is about accountability and transparency. We hope it ensures that the concerns raised by residents, families, and long‑time facility users are formally acknowledged and reviewed within the City’s own processes.

At the same time, the matter remains under consideration by Ombudsman Toronto, who has requested that Parks & Recreation be given the opportunity to respond directly before any independent review proceeds.

I want to be very clear:
This effort is not over. We are not giving up.

What we are asking for remains reasonable:

• A fair and thoughtful review of how this decision was made
• Meaningful engagement with the people most affected
• Recognition that removing the only public tennis courts in the area has real impacts on access, inclusivity, and community well‑being

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, commented, and reached out. Your voices are the reason this issue continues to move forward rather than being quietly closed.

I will continue to keep you updated as new developments occur.

— Peter
Birchmount Park Tennis Association