In the remote town of Gaultois in Newfoundland, the sound of pickleball paddles has replaced discussions about resettlement. A group of residents recently constructed a new pickleball court in the community, thanks to a grant secured by part-time resident Martine Blue from Active NL to enhance the local outdoor recreation area.
Martine Blue explained that the previous outdoor recreation space in Gaultois was neglected and in need of improvement. She saw pickleball as a game suitable for all skill levels and believed it would be a positive addition to the town. In 2023, residents of Gaultois rejected a resettlement proposal, falling short of the 75% majority required by the province for relocation to proceed. This was not the first time as in the past, residents had voted against resettlement when the threshold was set at 90%.
The newly built pickleball court, made of pressure-treated wood instead of traditional concrete, is now available for residents to play doubles. Positioned on what used to be a fish flake, the court is expected to attract tourists, according to local pickleball enthusiast Ron Simms. With a population of around 70 individuals in Gaultois, Martine Blue envisions a future where pickleball becomes a popular activity in the community.
Simms expressed his excitement about the growing interest in pickleball in rural areas and anticipated the possibility of hosting a tournament on the south coast in the future. The initiative to introduce pickleball to Gaultois is seen as a way to revitalize the community and draw visitors interested in the sport.