The Portage la Prairie City Council found themselves in quite the pickle during Monday's (April 11) council meeting. 

Both the Tennis and Pickleball clubs each made presentations to council on their plans for the tennis courts at Island Park.

After hearing compelling arguments from both sides, the council decided to approve an agreement with the Pickleball Club to convert a portion of the tennis courts to be used for pickleball. 

Councillor & Deputy Mayor Brent Budz spoke about the agreement. 

"Any time we see this type of investment and community group wanting to increase recreational opportunities for Portage citizens and in the region, we're excited about it. Obviously, that causes some concern when change happens. Still, when you look at the growth of that sport, not only in Manitoba, Canada but also internationally, it is something that's just growing. More and more people are using that to the facility, and we're looking forward to allowing them the opportunity to make an investment." 

During the meeting, it was stated that the pickleball group would need to raise $50,000 to make this conversion happen. So far, it is estimated that they have raised $30,000. 

Budz touches on where the remaining funding will come from. 

"Our agreement states that they're (the Pickleball Club) making an investment in a city-owned asset. As far as the fundraising and the goals that need to establish and get that money, that'll be up to the club themselves." 

Just before the meeting's adjournment, the chair of the public safety committee, Councillor Sharilyn Knox, warned the community of the storm coming our way.  
 
"I want the people to know that we're prepared because we know it's coming. So, we have an opportunity to get ourselves and our households and our city ready for it. We've definitely learned lots since the storm of 2019. We want people to make sure that they have enough proficiencies for 72 hours. This storm will come, and it will go, and we'll be back in spring again. So, make sure that you're at home and have enough food. You have enough water. You have gas in your car. You have cash on hand in case the bank machines go down. But please, just be prepared. Don't panic." 

The next council meeting is scheduled for April 25.