ABOUT US
About Us
For over 40 years, the Pickering Squash Club has been more than just a place to play—it’s been a home.
Established in 1985 and operating continuously out of the complex now known as the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, our club has grown into a vibrant community where lifelong friendships are forged on and off the court.
We take pride in our commitment to good sportsmanship, our support for families in need through our annual toy and food drives, Lee Hanebury Junior Squash Fund and most of all, in the people who make our community so special.
We are a community that embraces new players, encourages members to try new things, and ensures everyone feels at home on the court. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where you can not only improve your game but also connect with fellow members who share your passion.
Check our Contact Us page for directions on how to get here.
What Our Members Say
Here are some of the voices that make up our community.
“Being part of our local squash community & the comradery with fellow members has been wonderful!”
John K.
Pickering Squash Club Member
“I found my second home here at Pickering Squash! Everyone was so welcoming.”
Jackie F.
Pickering Squash Club Member
“The Pickering Squash Club brings people together for a common purpose but broadens the lives of everyone who participates. “
Jim D.
Pickering Squash Club Member
“The club is friendly and welcoming to new players.”
Anderson M.
Pickering Squash Club Member
Coaching Team
Our Coaches
Our coaching team is committed to providing an engaging and supportive environment where every player can grow, build confidence, and raise their game.
Nicole Pirko
Head Squash Pro
From an early age, Nicole Pirko (née Carroll) represented the best of the Pickering Squash Club’s talent. Picking up a racquet at seven, she rose to become one of Canada’s top junior players, at one point ranking second in the country. During her international career, she represented Canada at tournaments all over the world including the World University Games, Canada Winter Games, British Jr. Open, South Australian Jr. Open. Following her junior competitive years, she competed at a top level at McMaster University while earning a Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours) degree and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 for her success throughout her University career. Nicole returned to the club in 2001 as its new pro bringing a high level of professional expertise and a deep personal history back to the club that had nurtured her from a young age. As she transitioned from player to coach, some of her accomplishments include:
- Level 3 NCCP certified squash coach
- Coached 2 previous Canada Winter Games Teams and is the current coach of the 2027 Canada Winter Games team
- Coached the Canadian Junior Team at the Pan American Championships in Argentina
- Coached team Canada at the Senior Pan American Championships in Guatemala
- Won the Mark Sachvie Coaching Achievement Award in 2015
Nicole is dedicated to developing both club level and high-performance athletes while inspiring a lifelong passion for squash across the province. Nicole’s story is a powerful testament to the club’s ability to remain a home for its champions and a club of substance.
The club provides lessons, clinics, house league and much more, contact Nicole for any inquiries you may have about joining our club.
Leadership
Our Executive
Our executive is made up of dedicated members who are also active players and share a commitment to keeping the sport of squash alive and the community thriving.
Alison Le Ber
President
Sameer Vadera
Vice President / Assistant Squash Pro
Joan Hill
Secretary
Mark Rohlehr
Treasurer
Maddy & Lexi Pirko
Director of Junior Play
Sara Jane Cresswell
Director of Ladies Play
Darryl Sandilands
Director of Mens Play
Jackie Ferrier
Director of Communications
Anderson Mendonca
Social Director
John Kerr
Dir at Large (Membership)
Jim Delouchry
Dir at Large (Doubles House League)
Nicole Pirko
Technical Advisor
Jane Lilley
City of Pickering Representative
Join Our Executive
Have a voice in the future of the club and help shape our community. Our volunteer executive is always looking for new members to help lead us forward. While elections take place in September at the AGM members have also joined throughout the season.
History
Our Journey Through the Years
Discover the key milestones that have shaped our club. Join us in celebrating our achievements!
1985
The Vision and The Groundwork: The Founding of a Community
The Pickering Squash Club was formally established during the 1985-1986 season, thanks to the vision and hard work of four friends: Rosemary Aiken, Rod Ryde, Vinod Parmar, and Chris Doona. Having previously played at the Ajax Squash Club, they saw an opportunity to build a new community in Pickering. Their efforts were supported by a crucial partnership with the City of Pickering, whose Recreation Director and avid squash player, Tom Quinn, influenced the City Council to include six international squash courts in the newly built Pickering Recreation Complex in 1983. This collaboration between dedicated individuals and municipal support laid the groundwork for a successful and lasting institution, demonstrating that the club’s history would be inextricably linked to the commitment of its members and the support of the broader community.
1991
A National Spotlight: Hosting the Canadian Junior Squash Championships
Just six years after its founding, the Pickering Squash Club undertook a monumental challenge that would solidify its reputation on the national stage. In 1991, the club had the honor of co-chairing and hosting the Canadian Junior Squash Championships, a major event that spanned seven days and brought together more than 150 junior players from around the world. This was an ambitious undertaking for a relatively young club, but it was met with a remarkable, club-wide effort that lasted a full year. The collective commitment of every single member made the tournament an unqualified success, and it is still talked about today as “the best run Canadian Junior Squash Championships ever”. This early national event served as a powerful validation of the club’s organizational capacity and its vibrant, volunteer-driven community. It proved that the club was not just a local hub but a force to be reckoned with in the broader squash landscape.
1993
Honoring the Club’s Spirit: The Chris Doona Memorial Award
The spirit of the Pickering Squash Club is deeply rooted in the concept of selfless service, a value formalized with the creation of the Chris Doona Memorial Award. Chris Doona was one of the four founding members who helped establish the club, and following his untimely passing, the award was created in 1993 as a tribute to his memory. This award is not just a prize; it is the club’s highest honor, given annually to the person who “most represents the spirit of the Pickering Squash Club” through their unselfish contribution of time and effort over many years. The process of selecting the recipient makes the award a living tradition ensuring that the club’s core values are passed down through the years.
1994
A Heart for the Juniors: The Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament, Award and and Legacy
In 1994, the Pickering Squash Club experienced a profound loss with the passing of Lee Hanebury, a beloved friend and an ardent supporter of junior squash. Her passion for developing young players extended throughout the Ontario squash community, and in her memory, the Lee Hanebury Foundation for Junior Squash was established in partnership with Squash Ontario. This foundation continues to enable the sport’s growth and athlete development through a variety of programs and initiatives.
To honor her legacy, the Pickering Squash Club began hosting the annual Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament, with proceeds supporting the Foundation and junior development at the club. The tournament has been a cornerstone of the club’s calendar for decade. This living tribute to Lee Hanebury beautifully illustrates the power of a community to turn a personal loss into a lasting legacy that benefits generations of athletes.
2009
Expansion and Ambition: The Addition of Doubles Courts
After over a decade of effort, the Pickering Squash Club achieved a long-held dream with the addition of new doubles courts. Spearheaded by a committed group of leaders who worked closely with the club’s members to raise the necessary funds, the project secured a provincial grant and the support of the City of Pickering’s CEO and City Council. This collaborative effort culminated in the official opening of the new doubles courts on September 19, 2009. This significant expansion transformed the club’s programming, enabling it to field competitive teams in the Ontario Doubles Squash League (OSDL) and offering members new opportunities for play and competition. In 2010 the at our courts Doubles Championships. The project is a testament to the club’s member-driven identity, where a shared vision and collective perseverance can lead to remarkable growth.
2011
The Annual Harvest Hit Tournament
The Harvest Hit is a Hardball Doubles tournament chaired by Head Pro Nicole Pirko and is known for its social and welcoming atmosphere. In 2024, the club showcased its ambition by combining the Harvest Hit with the Ontario Singles Closed Championships, a provincial-level event. This allowed the club to host both a community-oriented doubles tournament and a high-stakes singles championship simultaneously, catering to a wide range of player skill levels. The inclusion of social elements like Friday night samosas and a licensed bar further reinforces the club’s philosophy that the game is about more than just winning; it is about building friendships and enjoying the shared experience.
Looking to the Future
Expansion and Ambition: The Addition of Doubles Courts
While the Pickering Squash Club is only 40 years old, our history is a powerful testament to what a dedicated community can achieve. As we look to the future, there is a renewed energy and optimism in the sport. Reports from both Squash Ontario and Squash BC show significant competitive growth, with junior and senior participation well above pre-pandemic levels. The recent surge in our rec center’s squash court memberships, returning to pre-COVID numbers, further underscores this positive trend. We are also on the cusp of a new era of visibility for squash, with the sport officially included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Canada set to host the World Squash Junior Championships in 2026. This is a moment of unprecedented opportunity to build on our rich history and introduce the sport we love to a new generation of players. By continuing to foster our welcoming and volunteer-driven community, we are confident that the Pickering Squash Club will not only thrive but lead the way in this exciting new chapter for squash in Canada.
