Stats from Pickleball Canada’s 2022 Survey
“The survey results showed that 8% of Canadian households report at least one household member plays pickleball once per month. By extrapolating the data, this indicates that there are now one million individual Canadians playing pickleball at least once a month, with 45% playing four or more times/month. When analyzing the results from a similar survey conducted in January 2020, Pickleball Canada estimated there were 350,000 pickleball players in Canada. The 2022 survey indicates a near tripling of the number of pickleball players in Canada in two years.”
Why Pickleball?
Simply put, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America. It is in the news everywhere and suddenly we are seeing it on TV, in shows & movies, Sports Illustrated articles, YouTube videos, Facebook streams, Twitter feeds and even right in our own neighbourhood. Even several cruise ship lines have created pickleball courts onboard due to the high demand for this sport. We have seen local clubs grow from 30 to 80 people, another from 50 to 300 members and recreational sessions go from 4 to 48 players in a year. The number of courts in the region went from 6 to 36 in 3 years and is still climbing steadily.
Pickleball Canada is looking into getting the sport of pickleball officially included as an event into the next Canada Games and the Niagara Games competitions.
Why is pickleball growing so fast? Because it is easier to play for all ages, requires far less equipment to start playing and is far more enjoyable on smaller courts than tennis for a larger age and skill range. Above all else, it is an amazingly social game that is fun and exciting while at the same time being challenging. Not to mention that pickleball is a great way to exercise and adds to the social well-being of the community.
While the game of pickleball has typically been more popular with older people and retirees, the last 5 years have seen the sport changing demographics as younger people make up the largest growing portion of the sport and the demand for more courts is unprecedented.
To put that in perspective, here is a list of local communities who have already jumped on the pickleball bandwagon with outdoor courts in recent years:
- Hamilton – 12 Dedicated Pickleball Courts
- Stoney Creek – 12 Dedicated Pickleball Courts
- Virgil – 6 Dedicated Pickleball Courts
- Welland – 12 Pickleball Courts, 6 Dedicated
- Grimsby – 4 Dedicated Pickleball Courts
- Pelham – 6 Dedicated Pickleball Courts (coming soon)
There are a number of other cities and towns in the Niagara Region that have shared tennis/pickleball courts or are planning on putting in outdoor pickleball courts as well.
Advantages of Indoor Pickleball
Guaranteed Play
Not affected by sun, wind, heat, cold, rain or insects.
Socialization
A place to meet, socialize and have fun.
Court Condition
Long lasting, free from cracks, debris and vandalism.
Other Sports
Ability to offer other sports and programs in off areas.