A proposals to relocate the Prince George Tennis Club to a site adjacent to the Prince George Golf and Curling Club clubhouse got a rocky reception from city council Monday.
On Monday council approved the first two readings of a rezoning for the tennis club lands and lands belonging to the Prince George Golf and Curling Club along Highway 16. The rezoning would allow facilitate the land being sold for commercial development.
If the tennis club is relocated, the city is obligated by an agreement to provide the club with new facilities equal to or superior to its current location, city community services director Colleen Van Mook said. The proposal would see the tennis club share the clubhouse space with the golf course and curling club.
"What we'd be looking to do is prepare a business plan so it does not require a cost to the city," Van Mook said.
Relocating the club to the golf club site is anticipated to be cheaper than constructing a replacement clubhouse at either of the other locations considered - at Exhibition Park or the former John McInnis school, Van Mook wrote in her report to council.
Coun. Cameron Stolz said even if the user groups cover the operating cost of the facility, there could be significant capital costs to the city if it takes over partial or complete ownership of the clubhouse.
The city currently owns the tennis club's facilities - courts, parking lot and clubhouse.
"Sometimes a gift isn't a gift," Stolz said. "I find it really challenging to even consider it. The city does own a significant amount of land ... including Duchess Park. There is other options available to us."
Council moved to have city staff prepare a more detailed proposal for developing the business plan.
"I think we shouldn't make a decision of that magnitude before this core review is finished," Coun. Albert Koehler said.
Earlier on Monday, city council approved plans for a review of all city services.
Under the proposed rezoning a total of 4.9 hectares along Highway 16 would be rezoned for commercial use.
