Metro Vancouver’s Indoor Pickleball Facility: Metro Vancouver’s first major indoor pickleball facility opens Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. in Burnaby. The Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP), located in the former Safeway at The City of Lougheed, offers nine regulation courts in a 30,000 sq. ft. space. It aims to bring players of all levels together for year-round play and community connection.
A New Home for Pickleball in Burnaby
The opening ceremony will include a ribbon cutting with Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and city councillors. The venue is IPOP’s flagship location and the first of its kind in the region. Its goal is to meet the growing need for indoor pickleball spaces in Metro Vancouver.
“We’re excited to provide an inclusive space for everyone, from beginners to pros, to enjoy pickleball without having to wait for a court,” said Chris White, CEO and Chief Paddle Officer of IPOP. “This facility is a game-changer, allowing people to experience pickleball’s physical, mental, and social benefits in an environment that welcomes all.”
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Designed for Players and Community
IPOP is more than just courts—it’s a full-service facility built to serve a wide range of players. It offers leagues, ladder play, drop-ins, coaching, youth programs, and social events. A team of twelve certified coaches leads a full lesson program. The space also features gamified practice zones and will host tournaments.
IPOP is the official partner of the Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) in the Lower Mainland. Players will have opportunities to compete and progress to the Canadian National Pickleball League. The venue will host the first Western CNPL spectator event this summer, featuring top Canadian players.
The grand opening weekend will include play-by-donation sessions. All proceeds will support the BC Lung Foundation’s Better Breathers Program.
“It is such a fun and unique opportunity to partner with a great community-oriented organization focused on promoting physical activity and who are passionate about respiratory health. Staying active is a great way to keep your lungs healthy and BC Lung is excited to utilize IPOP’s new facility to support our patient groups,” said Christopher Lam, President & CEO at BC Lung.
Built in Canada, Aiming Global
IPOP was created in Canada, separate from American pickleball franchises. It avoids high franchise fees and uses flexible models to grow its network. The group works with local governments and groups to expand using the DBFOM model—Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain.
Other IPOP locations are being built in Victoria, Nanaimo, Surrey, North Vancouver, Montreal, and Penticton. There are plans for future international locations as well.
“After extensive research into U.S. and Canadian franchise options, it became clear we needed a different model,” White explains. “IPOP is committed to partnering with individuals, municipalities, and associations using innovative capital solutions and delivery models such as DBFOM—Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain.”
Leadership with Experience and Passion
IPOP was launched by a group of Canadian entrepreneurs and sports supporters:
Chris White, CEO & CPO – Serial entrepreneur and inclusive sport advocate
Praveen Varshney – Venture capitalist, former board member of Vancouver Pickleball Association
Haneef Esmail – 30+ years in real estate and hotel asset management
Muni Sehgal, CFO – CPA/MBA, financial expert from Morgan Stanley
Kiran Dhatt, CSO – MSc in strategic growth and community innovation
Together, they bring strong leadership and investment to reshape pickleball spaces in Canada.
A Community Built Through Pickleball
IPOP’s mission is to connect people from all backgrounds through the game. The group hopes to grow a global pickleball community that supports health, fun, and inclusion.
“This isn’t just about opening more courts,” says White. “It’s about building community—creating spaces where people can grow their skills, build friendships, and discover the joy of the game. That’s what IPOP is all about.”
News in Brief: Metro Vancouver’s Indoor Pickleball Facility
IPOP opens Metro Vancouver’s first large indoor pickleball venue on April 26 in Burnaby. The 30,000 sq. ft. facility includes nine courts, coaching, and programs for all levels. Opening weekend will support the BC Lung Foundation. More IPOP sites are coming to cities across Canada.
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