At Tuesday’s North Bay council meeting, a motion to introduce cricket and pickleball to the city’s recreational activities took an unexpected turn.
The proposal, put forth by Councillor John Smith, aimed to diversify the city’s sports offerings and cater to a wider range of interests. However, the discussion quickly became heated as some council members expressed concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing these new sports.
Councillor Jane Doe argued that the city’s current recreational facilities are already struggling to meet the demands of existing sports, and adding two more would only exacerbate the issue. She also raised concerns about the potential cost of acquiring the necessary equipment and training staff to oversee these new activities.
On the other hand, Councillor Smith argued that introducing cricket and pickleball would attract a new demographic to the city and boost tourism. He also pointed out that these sports have gained popularity in other cities and have the potential to bring in revenue for North Bay.
Despite the back-and-forth debate, the motion ultimately failed to pass, with a vote of 5-4 against it. Mayor John Johnson, who voted against the motion, stated that while he supports the idea of diversifying the city’s sports offerings, he believes it should be done in a more strategic and financially responsible manner.
The discussion also sparked a larger conversation about the city’s recreational facilities and the need for more funding to improve and maintain them. Some council members suggested exploring alternative sources of funding, such as partnerships with local businesses or applying for grants.
In the end, while the motion may have gone sideways, it has brought attention to the importance of continuously evaluating and improving the city’s recreational activities to better serve the community.
