Toronto's Pickleball Courts Face Closure Due to Tax Hike

The lively pickleball courts near Yonge and St. Clair in Toronto are under threat of closure due to a significant property tax hike. Managed by Fairgrounds Racket Club, these courts have transformed a vacant lot into a bustling recreational hub. However, a recent reassessment by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation has reclassified the site, leading to a dramatic increase in taxes. Local stakeholders argue that the courts have positively impacted the community, bringing business to nearby shops. This situation raises critical questions about the classification of temporary urban spaces and the need for flexible tax policies to support small businesses.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 18:43 IST

Closure Threat for Popular Pickleball Courts

A vibrant pickleball facility near the intersection of Yonge and St. Clair in Toronto, which revitalized a previously vacant lot, is now at risk of shutting down due to a significant increase in property taxes. Managed by Fairgrounds Racket Club, these pop-up courts occupy a site designated for a future 50-storey mixed-use development. Although the project has been awaiting city approval for nearly six years, construction has yet to commence, leaving the area unused until Fairgrounds intervened.

What was once an abandoned lot has transformed into a lively recreational venue, attracting numerous local residents during the warmer months and fostering a sense of community. Fairgrounds typically charges around $35 per session, providing an accessible and casual environment for play in an otherwise neglected urban area.

However, the initiative is now facing financial difficulties following a reassessment by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The agency has reclassified the Rosehill site from residential to commercial, resulting in an increase of over $500,000 in Fairgrounds' annual property tax, more than doubling their previous expenses. This hike jeopardizes the future of the courts, as Fairgrounds may have to cease operations unless the city revisits the classification.

Local community members assert that the courts have significantly benefited the neighborhood. Jason Glionna from the Yonge + St. Clair BIA remarked, “The activity on this site has been a real asset for the community,” highlighting how pickleball players have supported nearby businesses.

The developer of the property, Originate Developments, has also endorsed the temporary use of the land. Co-founder Adam Sheffer stated, “Rather than having a vacant lot, the community has gained a space for recreation and socializing.” He expressed concern that the current tax system inadvertently penalizes such temporary initiatives.

The core issue lies in the classification of interim projects. MPAC’s guidelines for commercial properties do not specifically address temporary recreational uses, although they do evaluate whether a site can be repurposed without significant modifications.

Fairgrounds contends that with Toronto's condo market slowing down, more sites could remain unoccupied for longer periods. Without adaptable tax policies, small businesses may be deterred from utilizing these spaces, potentially leading to an increase in vacant lots throughout the city.

This situation raises important policy considerations for city officials, including Mayor Olivia Chow, as communities assess the importance of temporary urban spaces in relation to current tax regulations.