2025 Membership Fees

Over the years, successive SLYC Boards have worked hard to shape the club into what it is today, fostering a strong sense of community, friendship, and tradition through sailing, tennis, and youth development in sports, leadership, and employment.

A key part of our club’s values is maintaining and improving our property, facilities, and financial health. We have been fortunate to build and sustain the club through the generous donations of our members—whether in land, equipment, volunteer labor, or financial contributions. Some of these donations have been unsolicited, while others have come through dedicated fundraising efforts. For example, our Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser has raised significant funds that continue to support the purchase of sailing and tennis equipment. Without the sponsorships generated through this event, the club would operate at a deficit.

In fall 2024, we undertook a project to align our membership fees with the actual costs of running the club. Our goal is for membership fees to cover basic operating expenses—including anticipated recurring costs such as resurfacing tennis courts and repairing or rebuilding docks—while programming fees fully support their respective activities. Our philosophy is that all families should be contributing to these basic costs. As a result, you will notice a slight increase in membership fees. While SLYC remains a relatively affordable club, we continue to strive to keep costs accessible, particularly for young adults and young families.

Introduction of Annual Capital Fee

Through careful financial management, the SLYC Board has built a cash reserve of approximately $225,000 over many years to fund emergencies and special projects. We are now committing these funds to two major initiatives aimed at improving health and safety on Juniper Island.

Tennis and Pickleball players are familiar with the infamous "Stony Let", when a ball strikes the live overhead hydro lines. Alarmingly, the live wires over Court 1 have come down while members were playing, posing a severe hazard, especially near steel fencing. Additionally, fallen trees have come dangerously close to the lines. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Board has contracted Hydro One to bury the overhead wires, with work beginning in Spring 2025. Hydro One has acknowledged that this project is long overdue.

Secondly, in partnership with ASLC we will also renovate the Juniper Island bathrooms to improve sanitation and efficiency. This much-needed upgrade is planned for 2025/26.

Both projects require significant investment and will deplete our cash reserve. To rebuild this fund and ensure future improvements, the Board has approved a $25 Capital Fee per member, which will be added to membership fees starting in 2025. While we will continue to rely on donations for major projects, we believe all members should contribute to sustaining the club’s future. The approximately $20,000 raised through the capital fee will be a modest but important step in beginning to replenish our reserves.

For more information please contact us at slycinfo@gmail.com. Thank you for your support and understanding—we look forward to seeing you on Juniper!