Future of Pickleball in Canada: As the sport of pickleball continues to soar in popularity, many are embracing it as a fun and social way to stay fit. Seventy-year-old William Shim is one such enthusiast, expressing the thrill of the game at a Calgary court. However, he also highlighted the challenges of securing court time, noting, “You’ve got to be quick to get a spot to play,” as he often has to book two weeks in advance.
Balancing Supply and Demand
The growing popularity of pickleball has led to an imbalance between supply and demand. This has sparked tensions in communities, particularly where tennis courts and park spaces are being repurposed for pickleball. One mayor in Prince Edward Island even resigned over disputes regarding pickleball development.
In response to this surging interest, a U.S. company called The Picklr is launching a franchise model in Canada, aiming to establish a network of indoor pickleball facilities in major cities. Founded in 2021 and beginning its franchising journey in 2023, The Picklr currently operates 26 locations across the U.S. and seeks to capitalize on the court-hungry pickleballers in Canada.
Navigating Canada’s Unique Market
Despite the enthusiasm for pickleball in Canada, some industry experts believe that the market may present unique challenges. Alex Edmison, senior vice president with CBRE, a commercial real estate firm, explained, “It’s not that Canadians don’t like pickleball; it’s that this country doesn’t have a glut of readily available retail space that can easily be converted into pickleball courts.”
While The Picklr representatives kicked off their Canadian launch in Toronto, potential franchisees like Randy Kufske from Kitchener-Waterloo face difficulties in finding suitable locations that can accommodate indoor sports. “That is definitely the biggest stumbling block,” Kufske remarked, highlighting the need for spaces that are centrally located and zoned for such activities.
Creative Solutions for Space Constraints
The Picklr is actively seeking “second-generation retail” spaces, such as vacant big-box stores, to convert into pickleball courts. They also consider new developments looking for anchor tenants and industrial spaces, as long as they’re not located in busy industrial parks.
While some pickleball courts have successfully set up in vacant mall spaces, Chris Walker, The Picklr’s chief development officer, acknowledged that the U.S. market is “way overdeveloped” compared to Canada. This means that finding the right space will require creativity and persistence.
Despite the challenges, The Picklr has already signed an offer to lease its first Canadian location in Winnipeg, demonstrating optimism about the venture. However, Edmison cautioned that the growth of pickleball is not solely dependent on available spaces.
The rising population and demand for retail and consumer goods, combined with high construction costs and interest rates, are complicating matters further.
The Future of Pickleball in Canada
As The Picklr seeks to carve out its niche in the Canadian market, franchisees will need to navigate not only the physical challenges of securing locations but also the competitive landscape.
Randy Popplestone, general manager of the Calgary Pickleball Center, emphasized the need for facilities to offer a compelling value proposition. “You have to motivate either new people or the same people in a novel way, and that can be really difficult.”
Despite these hurdles, the franchise model offers distinct advantages, including brand recognition and established operational frameworks. Boss noted that franchises can leverage successful models from other locations, providing a blueprint for potential success.
Wood, The Picklr’s co-founder, envisions the franchise as more than just a sports facility, aiming to create a community gathering place—a “third place” where people can engage socially beyond home and work.
As the pickleball movement continues to gain momentum in Canada, the intersection of community demand, available space, and innovative solutions will determine the success of franchises like The Picklr.
News in Brief: Future of Pickleball in Canada
Pickleball’s popularity is booming in Canada, with enthusiasts like 70-year-old William Shim facing challenges in securing court time. The imbalance between supply and demand has led to tensions in some communities.
To address this, The Picklr is launching a franchise model to create indoor facilities across Canada. Despite challenges in finding suitable locations, optimism remains as they sign their first lease in Winnipeg.
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