05/05/2026
Hello Queen City Pickleball Hub players,
May is here, and it is shaping up to be one of the most important months in the history of Queen City Pickleball Hub.
This month, we are excited to welcome players from across Regina, surrounding communities, and the province for the upcoming 2026 Pickleball Saskatchewan Provincials, taking place at the end of May. This event represents the continued growth of pickleball in Saskatchewan and the incredible community that has developed around the sport. We are proud to be hosting it and look forward to seeing so many familiar and new faces on the courts.
As many of you know, outdoor programming is scheduled to begin June 1, which has always been part of the seasonal rhythm of pickleball in Regina. However, this year there is also a much larger story unfolding around the future of Queen City Pickleball Hub.
Many of you may have seen the recent news regarding Brandt’s proposed purchase of several REAL District properties from the City of Regina, including the Canada Centre Building, which is the current home of Queen City Pickleball Hub. The proposal has been reported publicly and is expected to continue through the City process.
We want to be open with our players about where things stand.
Since July 8, 2025, we have been trying very hard to extend our lease for another five years. REAL agreed to give us until the end of May 2026 while discussions continued. Despite repeated requests for a formal lease proposal, and despite several indications that one would be forthcoming, we have still not received a written proposal. The only information provided verbally was that we should expect significant lease increases, potentially doubling or more, with further increases to follow.
At the time, this did not make sense to us. After the news of the proposed property sale became public, the lack of progress on a lease extension became easier to understand.
Our first thought was that perhaps there might be an opportunity to negotiate with Brandt if they did not have an immediate purpose for our building. However, based on what has been reported, the proposal appears to include a significant redevelopment or makeover of the property, including possible new uses for the space. At this point, we have not received any further clarity from REAL since the news came out. While we cannot say anything with absolute certainty, we believe there is very little chance of Queen City Pickleball Hub continuing in its current location beyond the end of May.
That said, there is also very exciting news.
Over the past while, we have been actively looking for a long-term solution for indoor pickleball in Regina. We have now negotiated a purchase price for a potential new home for Queen City Pickleball Hub on Park Street in Regina. The purchase remains subject to conditions, but if those conditions are removed, we would have the summer to renovate the space and work toward becoming operational after the outdoor summer programs are complete.
This new opportunity could allow us to create something even better for the long-term future of pickleball in Regina: uninterrupted year-round play, a more club-like atmosphere, and a space designed specifically around the needs of our players.
The goal would be to build a facility that feels less like a temporary commercial space and more like a true pickleball home — a fun, welcoming club environment where people can play, connect, improve, and enjoy the community year-round. We are also looking at installing a cushioned court surface, which would provide a top-quality playing experience while being easier on players’ joints.
We know many players have reached out over the last few months asking about the future of Queen City Pickleball Hub. We have not been able to give clear answers because, quite honestly, we were left with very little clarity ourselves. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding through that uncertainty.
What we can say clearly is this: we are incredibly grateful for the past five years.
When Queen City Pickleball Hub first opened, we had only a small number of players and many hours where courts sat empty. To see what it has become today — full courts, smiling faces, friendships, programs, tournaments, new players, experienced players, and people travelling in from all over the province — is something we are extremely proud of.
The community that has been created is truly amazing.
Thank you to every player who has booked a court, joined a program, brought a friend, played in an event, volunteered, encouraged new players, or supported the hub in any way. Queen City Pickleball Hub exists because of you.
As we move through May, we are focused on finishing this chapter well, hosting a great Provincials, supporting the transition to outdoor programming, and doing everything we can to build a strong future for indoor pickleball in Regina.
We appreciate every one of you and hope you will continue to support Queen City Pickleball Hub at its new location once it opens.
See you on the courts,
Phil Greenwood
Queen City Pickleball Hub
1-306-471-6930
