In the remote town of Gaultois in Newfoundland, the conversation about relocation has subsided with the introduction of a new pickleball court. Several residents collaborated to establish the court after Martine Blue, a part-time resident, successfully secured a grant from Active NL to enhance the town’s outdoor recreational facilities. Describing the initiative, Blue mentioned that the neglected outdoor area in Gaultois needed attention and that pickleball, a game suitable for all skill levels, would be a valuable addition to the community.
In 2023, the residents of Gaultois rejected the idea of resettlement, falling short of the 75% majority required by the province for such a move. This was not the first time the residents had opposed resettlement, as they had previously voted against it when a 90% majority was necessary. Blue expressed optimism that the pickleball court would inject vitality into the community, encouraging individuals of varying skill levels to participate.
Unlike conventional concrete courts, the Gaultois pickleball court was meticulously crafted using pressure-treated wood instead. The location of the court, once a fish flake, holds historical significance according to local pickleball enthusiast Ron Simms, who believes the court could attract tourists to the area. With approximately 70 residents, including a few young individuals, living in Gaultois, Blue envisions a future where pickleball becomes a popular activity in the community.
Simms anticipates the possibility of hosting a tournament on the south coast in the future, noting the increasing popularity of the sport in rural areas of the province. He expressed his commitment to bringing his paddles home whenever he visits.
