A developer has backed down on a plan to add pickleball courts to an existing development near a quiet South St. Vital park. The controversial pickleball courts had been included in a zoning amendment proposal from Progressive Real Estate Group—the property developer behind the Parkview Terrace complex near Henteleff Park. While the large seven-stage development got underway in 2018, Progressive Real Estate Group is seeking amendments for the latest phase—changing their original plans for townhouses into a larger four-storey apartment building with pickleball courts. The pickleball plan prompted an uproar from some area residents who feared the noise of the nearby courts would be detrimental to the area. Several residents spoke in opposition to the plan at an hours-long Riel Community Committee on Wednesday. Geoff Milnes, president of Progressive Real Estate Group, said when it comes to the pickleball courts, that’s not the hill he will die on. “I’m here to tell you, we can certainly drop it. It was an idea of a community amenity,” Milnes told the committee. “If it is not needed, if it is not wanted, I’m happy to build something else of equal value for the community either in that space or elsewhere.” Committee members voted to reject the developer’s zoning amendment proposal; however, it still requires a final vote from city council. -With files from CTV’s Joseph Bernacki
