Call it 40-love.
The City of Burnaby is partnering with Tennis Canada to create the Western Canada Tennis Centre (WCTC) at Burnaby Lake.
The facility, as announced Tuesday, will feature 12 indoor and 12 outdoor courts, and provide ancillary training and fitness facilities, including a strength and conditioning centre, a physiotherapy clinic, sport analytics room, as well as change rooms.
A major portion of the agreement will see Burnaby become the host of the junior national training program for Western Canada, as well as a training facility for top B.C. athletes, including wheelchair athletes.
“Tennis Canada and the City of Burnaby have a shared vision for a Western Canada Tennis Centre and today marks an important step in making that vision a reality,” said Tennis Canada president and CEO Michael Downey. “The Lower Mainland is a hotbed for recreational tennis and adding more indoor courts will allow for greater year-round play.”
Cost estimates and design will be unveiled in the months to come, along with a fundraising campaign to support the facility.
“This facility will see tennis being played by children, youth, families and seniors, regardless of their age, ability or aspirations,” Mayor Derek Corrigan said in a press release. “The WCTC will enhance Burnaby’s reputation as Canada’s leading sports and recreation city, and it will be a welcome addition to the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex.”