HISTORY TO DATE

On May 16, 2006, the Cromarty Tennis Club (founded 1902) passed a motion supporting the creation of a stand-alone, non-profit society to be known as the "Cromarty Community Indoor Tennis Centre" (CCITC). As an independent entity the CCITC stands financially and organizationally separate in all aspects from the Cromarty Tennis Club.

The CCITC is most grateful for this enlightened endorsement from a club of such import to the community for so many years now.

A second motion of the Cromarty Tennis Club encouraged the CCITC to then seek charity status with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and on February 12, 2008 the CRA granted its request. Upon receiving this standing, the CCITC sought out land within the CBRM.

On December 15, 2008, after an exhaustive search which ultimately led us to the Sydney Airport Authority, a non-profit Society, its Board granted our request for a long term property lease.

Following that, on January 14, 2009, the Public Services Committee of CBRM council gave its full support to the CCITC and its announced project.

Again, the CCITC is most appreciative of these decisions taken by the CRA, the Authority, and Public Services.

And what was the project that all these fine organizations thought so valuable?

For the Cromarty Community Indoor Tennis Centre (CCITC) to raise funds to construct, maintain, and operate Cape Breton’s first indoor facility (one covered doubles court) designed only for tennis. An all-season operation, the Centre will feature programmes that without exception will be CCITC run and designed. Where practical, that design will meet Tennis Nova Scotia, or Tennis Canada standards.

Built exclusively for the benefit of the public, with a particular focus on the young, old, and the challenged, the Centre will provide a summer/critical winter playing venue for all levels and ages of tennis players, from novice through seasoned. It will encourage high public user participation rates through an affordable hourly rate - first come, first serve - and educational group clinics. It will stress that its cushioned court is state-of-the-art and exceptionally physically friendly, to draw in the older player who might hesitate to participate otherwise.

The Centre will stress public instruction, at both an hourly and clinic level. At the hourly level, CCITC trained staff volunteers will provide tennis advice, knowledge, practical tips, and even racquets upon the asking, at no additional charge.

In addition, the Centre will target the younger public, through assorted winter and summer group clinics. It will maximize the number of operating hours to what is practical. In particular, the Centre will concentrate on winter school, winter after school, and winter junior development programmes based on Tennis Canada training, instructional, and skills upgrading criteria. Winter coaching clinics would be another priority, as would other community group initiatives, such as wheelchair and mixed senior (plus 55) play. 

Our capital campaign donation drive to construct the building is presently underway. Please visit http://www.cromartytennis.ca/ccitc/  [Now Defunct] or e-mail ccitc@cromartytennis.ca  [Now Defunct] for all the details. Through CanadaHelps.org, the CCITC will issue instant tax receipts which will ensure that eligible donors will benefit from all the tax incentives associated with gifting to our registered charity.