Legacy & Tradition

1897

The Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club was formed, with courts in the West End.

1904

The Club purchased land from the Canadian Pacific Railway and moved to its present location on the corner of Fir Street and 16th Avenue in 1914. Members played on 9 grass courts, 4 clay courts, and 2 croquet lawns which were later changed into additional tennis courts.

1914

The Club purchased land from the Canadian Pacific Railway and moved to its present location on the corner of Fir Street and 16th Avenue in 1914. Members played on 9 grass courts, 4 clay courts, and 2 croquet lawns which were later changed into additional tennis courts.

1928

The Badminton Hall—the first in North America designed specifically for the sport—was built and our name changed to the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club.

1930's

The major badminton tournaments held at the Club in the 1930s were limited to Canadian entrants. However, the major tennis tourneys drew large contingents of American players, which raised the level of competition.

1947

In 1947, under the presidency of S.V.T. Jeffery, the final payment was made to C.P.R. and the property became debt free.

1956

The swimming pool was built.

1957

The present clubhouse at the corner of 15th Avenue and Fir Street was formally opened.

1961

A new addition containing 2 squash courts, the Players' Lounge, and locker rooms was completed.

1970

The Club added 4 indoor and 4 roof tennis courts, singles and doubles squash courts, and covered the pool for winter swimming.

1975

Four grass courts and one hard court were replaced with 4 porous concrete courts covered by a bubble for the winter months.

1984

The remaining 4 grass courts were replaced with a synthetic fibre surface for year-round play, bringing the Club to 16 tennis courts (4 permanent indoor and 8 under a bubble in the winter), 3 singles and one double squash courts, 6 badminton courts and a swimming pool.

1993

The main floor of the Clubhouse was completely renovated, and a small exercise room was added.

1996-98

A major renovation to the Clubhouse occurred including the addition of underground parking, 4 fast dry hydro courts (clay), and updated locker rooms.

1997

The Club celebrated its 100th anniversary.

2002

The Players’ Lounge was renovated, setting the standard for future improvements.

2005

In 2005 the Club became debt-free after paying off the mortgage created in 1997, a full 6-months early.

2006

Phase 1 of a two-part improvement plan was completed, including the Clay Court bubble, an expanded Fitness Centre, renovated boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, renovated main floor hallway and Champions Gallery, and the Players’ Bistro.

2009

The Lower Level Renovations, which included completely renovated men’s, women’s and family locker rooms, were finished, as well as pool repair and deck replacement. A new bubble and lighting were installed over tennis courts 9 – 12. The clay court bubble mortgage was paid off in March 2010, a full 7-years early.

2010

Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, captivating the world. The Club embraced the Olympics, welcoming reciprocal club visitors and hosting special events.

2013

Members approved a plan for renovating the Upper Level of the Club, along with the financing plan for the renovation.

2014

A new main floor kitchen was built. The Club celebrated its 100th anniversary at our current location after moving from the West End in 1914.

2015

The Upper Level Renovation project began, including construction of a new kitchen, centralized Squash Centre, function rooms, Pub Deck and Pub.

2016

The new Upper Level was opened to Members on December 3rd at a special Wassail celebration.