By Dan Lalande
“The history and culture are what make the Ottawa Tennis Club—and what will ensure its future. Every decision we make has the heritage of the club in mind.”
It’s a storied lineage: 144 years and counting, making this recreational jewel of Old Ottawa South one of the oldest facilities in Canada. On any given day from mid-spring to late fall, its courts are teeming with players skittering along baselines to greet fuzzy projectiles with the faces of their trusty racquets. Then again, they might be looking down on their fellow enthusiasts from the scenic restaurant jutting out from the club’s second floor. Or perhaps they’re part of the giddy gang springing from the sand surrounding the volleyball nets, or cooling off, after their sport of their choice, in the waters of the swimming pool.
These days, the OTC is overseen by executive director Mike Tait, the Scottish emigree who has made almost every professional stop on the city’s recreational circuit, including Dovercourt, the YMCA and the RA Centre. The OTC, however, provided him with greater autonomy. “I wanted to create and lead my own team,” he explains, “and really make a difference.”
He has. Until a few years ago, the property, struggling financially, was in a state of disrepair. The courts needed a makeover, the clubhouse was aging and the restaurant was perpetually “Under New Management.” In addition, the club remained committed to lawn bowling, a sport in demographic decline.
Rejuvenation was on the way. In 2017, the club transitioned from a private organization to a not-for-profit. Today, it’s a member-owned organization run by a volunteer board of directors who put forth motions at the annual general meeting (AGM). “This makes us far more community-focused,” Mike explains. “We can plan longer-term initiatives, not just for the benefit of our members but for all.”
While you have to be a member to access the tennis courts, the clubhouse and restaurant are open to the public. All are in either great shape or getting there. Over the past five years, 14 of the club’s 18 clay courts have been refurbished. Their sprinkler and drainage systems have been improved, their surfaces are redressed and the improved floodlighting allows members to rally into the twilight.
The clubhouse’s makeover began in 2020. That year, the building secured heritage designation, creating access to a team of city officials able to advise and guide phase one of the upgrade. The ground floor underwent a $2.4 million facelift, covered by a combination of member fees, community donations and government grants, topped by $700,000 from the club’s surplus. This fall, phase two will go into effect. The balcony will be restored and plans will be laid to winterize the second floor and improve accessibility, including the introduction of an elevator and an accessible washroom.
The reclaimed restaurant’s a hit, too. No more flipping the keys to a different entrepreneur every season. “We now run the restaurant ourselves,” Mike boasts. “We’ve hired a strong executive chef who gives us the expertise that’s required. For members and users from the community, it’s a great place to eat and hang out.” The club augments the experience by staging game nights and other events, some showcasing local musical talent. And if members can’t get a seat, no worries: The OTC has added the Courtside Café. It’s not an uncommon sight to see players with a Wilson or Bobalat in one hand and a pick-me-up or libation in the other.
Such is the club’s new standing that it recently won membership in the prestigious International Association of Centenary Tennis Clubs, one of only four Canadian facilities under that designation. “Now,” the proud Mike qualifies, “our members can play at any of the other clubs across the world: London, Barcelona, Monaco, Portugal, Australia, British Columbia, Montreal …”
And the OTC isn’t finished transmogrifying. To keep the club viable over Ottawa’s long winters, bridge clubs have been reinstituted. It’s another nod to the OTC’s past, harkening back to when it was a card player’s paradise. Plans are also underway to create indoor tennis facilities, answering a prayer Ottawa’s tennis fanatics have been vainly reciting forever.
The OTC is also staging major tournaments. In 2024, the club co-hosted the ITF Masters 100, the first International Tennis Federation-sanctioned event ever held in Ottawa. This year, it’s home to a 200-level event, which should also prove an unprecedented success.
Like the silver-haired longtime member still trying to perfect his groundstrokes, the Ottawa Tennis Club remains dedicated to improvement. For memberships and details, see ottawatennisclub.ca.
