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Beach volleyball courts proposed for Qualicum Beach

Kiwanis member says St. Andrews Lodge property would be great for courts
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The St. Andrews Lodge and Glen Cottages property (3319 Island Hwy. West, Qualicum Beach), has been proposed to be used for two beach volleyball courts. - File photo

Kiwanis Club of Parksville-Qualicum member Neil Horner has requested approval from Qualicum Beach town council to begin fundraising initiatives to develop two beach volleyball courts at the St. Andrews Lodge property.

The waterfront property, at 3319 Island Hwy West, was purchased by the Town of Qualicum Beach last year.

Related: St. Andrews Lodge waterfront to become town park

“I think two beach volleyball courts for the teenagers in this town would be a superb asset,” Horner told council during a Feb. 25 regular meeting. “We talk about doing things for young people… but words are cheap and we want to actually do something. What we would like to do is get two beach volleyball courts at the St. Andrews facility when it gets developed in whatever form it gets developed.”

Horner said the Kiwanis club already has about $3,000 set aside that could be used for the courts, which he said are projected to cost around $30,000.

“We have identified a whole bunch of very promising grant possibilities also for this project,” he said. “But we cannot pull the trigger on any of those fundraising projects for this until we get approval from council.”

Coun. Scott Harrison cited statistics for Qualicum Beach saying there are 181 residents between the ages of zero to 19 who are low-income after taxes, therefore removing barriers for physical activity is important.

“Having something that low-income families can participate in is a good idea,” Harrison said.

Coun. Robert Filmer and Mayor Brian Wiese both said they love the idea of the volleyball courts and are supportive of the project.

karly.blats@pqbnews.com