Petition to Save Squash Courts at UPEI

Squash PEI urge our members and squash lovers to act now to save the last remaining squash courts at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI).

Background:

UPEI has informed squash members that they plan to remove the last two remaining squash courts to make room for a new high-performance strength and conditioning facility. While we understand the need for updated athletic facilities, we strongly believe that removing these squash courts would harm the future of squash in our community and province.

Squash in Prince Edward Island is Thriving:

• Squash PEI's membership has doubled in 2023, demonstrating the sport’s rapid growth and increasing demand for facilities.
• Squash Canada recently acknowledged Squash PEI as having the fastest-growing squash membership in the country.
• The organization runs a popular junior program, league nights, and hosts five major tournaments a year, attracting participants from across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
• In the past, Squash PEI has hosted a PSA (Professional Squash Association) Event, bringing in top players from around the world.
• The City of Charlottetown currently has only 6 squash courts, with just 4 regulation-sized courts, which is insufficient for the growing squash community. The province in total has 8 regulation-size squash courts scattered across PEI
• As we approach the 2027 Canada Games, it is essential to ensure that squash athletes have access to high-quality facilities for training and competition. Removing these courts would severely limit training opportunities for current and future athletes, including those hoping to compete in the Canada Games and possibly even at the Olympic level.

Squash is for Everyone:

Squash is an accessible, inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels. It's a low-cost, low-impact activity that provides excellent fitness benefits and promotes healthy lifestyles.

In 2025, a small group of students at UPEI took the initiative to create their own programming with drop in evenings that are growing in numbers. Moreover, the courts are not only used by the UPEI community but are enjoyed by people from all over the province. Squash PEI has worked hard to grow the sport, and removing these facilities would set back years of progress.

We Ask UPEI to Consider:

The needs of the growing squash community at UPEI and across the province.
The impact on sport tourism, youth development, and potential future athletes.
The fact that squash is a sport that can be played by all, at any age, and at all levels, and its positive effect on health and well-being.

Please Sign Our Petition:

We urge UPEI to reconsider the decision to remove the squash courts and to work with Squash PEI and the community to find a solution that supports the growth of squash and athletic excellence.

Save the Courts, Save the Sport!