Condo Living

September 10, 2025 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Karen Rubin

Courts, Communities, & Condo Choices

From the Summer 2025 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

CCI Toronto’s Pickleball Event Serves Up Education and Fun

Above, Left to Right: Stacey Kurck, Theresa Place, Edmund Leong, Justin Tudor, Andrée Ball

On April 24, 2025, CCI Toronto hosted an interactive event at the Fairground Pickleball Courts, located at Cloverdale Mall in Toronto. This gathering brought together condominium professionals, board members, and industry experts to explore one of the most relevant topics in condo communities today: amenity revitalization, with a special focus on the rise of pickleball.

The event began with an insightful education session moderated by Stacey Kurck of FirstService Residential. The panel featured Megan Mackey, Partner at Shibley Righton LLP; Karen Rubin, Condominium Manager at Del Property Management; and Dana Kuszelewski, a condominium board member. Together, they offered a well-rounded view on navigating major changes in shared spaces— from legal requirements and operational logistics to resident engagement and risk management.

The panel shared lessons and case studies from their own condo communities. Their experiences with amenity upgrades underscored the importance of balancing modernization with what realistically fits the building, its people, and the legal requirements that govern shared spaces and any changes to them, such as notice obligations, owner consultation, or specific voting thresholds under the Condominium Act.

One success story involved repurposing an underused racquetball court into a multi-use basketball half-court, while still keeping the racquetball court functional. The transformation brought new life to the space and encouraged greater resident interaction.

Left to Right: Jimmy Muir, Stacey Kurck, and Travis Langely from FirstService Residential

However, not all trending ideas are a fit for every condominium. One example highlighted a building where the tennis court surface had begun to deteriorate, prompting the board to consider adding pickleball lines. While the sport’s popularity made it an attractive option, the sharp, repetitive sound of play raised concerns due to the court’s proximity to residential units and neighbouring homes. After consulting residents and reviewing similar situations in other communities, the board ultimately decided not to proceed. Instead, they resurfaced the court in bright, modern colours and retained it for tennis. The renewed space quickly regained popularity— demonstrating that revitalization doesn’t always require reinvention, just a thoughtful, tailored approach.

By contrast, another condominium had successfully introduced pickleball without issue. In that case, the courts were located farther from living areas or did not back onto houses, significantly reducing noise impact. These differences highlight an important truth: even when trends are shared, successful amenity planning depends on each community’s unique layout, location, and needs.

Ultimately, thoughtful amenity planning is about context, consultation, and community impact. It’s not about chasing trends; it’s about enhancing shared spaces in ways that add value, functionality, and peace of mind.

Following the panel, attendees moved from discussion to play, participating in beginner-friendly pickleball games. Certified coaches rotated between courts to offer tips, guidance, and hands-on support. For many, it was their first time playing, but the energy was high and the atmosphere welcoming. Participants left with new skills and a better appreciation of why pickleball appeals to all ages.

Guests also enjoyed a variety of finger foods, snacks, and refreshments, adding to the relaxed, social vibe of the evening. This event showcased CCI Toronto’s ongoing commitment to delivering relevant, engaging education in creative ways. By blending professional development with recreation, it reminded everyone that the heart of condo living isn’t just property management—it’s people, participation, and the spaces we shape together.

Karen Rubin, Newsletters et Cetera