The Queen City Pickleball Hub, a 16-court facility in Regina, is closing its doors after hosting the 2026 provincial championships this weekend. The hub's lease with REAL District ends June 1, and the Canada Centre Building will be emptied following the tournament, displacing the 6,500 players who have used the venue over the past five years.
New Venue in the Works
Co-owner Ray Greenwood plans to purchase a 14,000-square-foot warehouse on Park Street, initially setting up six courts, with potential expansion to nine or ten if city approval is granted. The new facility will be much smaller than the current hub.
Competition from The Picklr
Greenwood, who also owns pickleball facilities in Saskatoon and Brandon, faces competition from American-based The Picklr, which is establishing a club in Saskatoon and eyeing Regina. However, Greenwood notes that The Picklr's prices are higher, with a $30 drop-in fee compared to his $20 for two hours.
A group of Regina players is also exploring a multi-sport facility at the Global Transportation Hub, though details remain private.
Impact on the Pickleball Community
Glenn Stumborg, president of Pickleball Saskatchewan, expressed concern about the reduction from 16 to potentially 10 courts, especially as the sport grows among younger demographics. He emphasized the need for indoor courts to sustain year-round play.
Lonnie Dynna, former general manager of the hub, acknowledged the Greenwood family's foundational role in the sport and noted that the closure will fragment the pickleball community into smaller groups, which may not be entirely negative but will change the dynamic.
The hub's closure comes after REAL District sought to increase the annual lease cost from $170,000 by an additional $250,000, prompting the owners to purchase a building on Park Street for $2.2 million, with another $200,000 in renovations planned.
