Canadian Pickleball Update: CNPL Changes and Ottawa Classic Returns
What's the Score?
The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has announced changes and opportunities for its 2025 season, including a venue and date change for the Western Split event, now scheduled for July 19-20 in Burnaby, British Columbia. Additionally, grounds passes are now available for upcoming CNPL events in London, Ontario (May 17-18) and Montreal, Quebec (June 7-8). Beyond the league, the third annual Ottawa Pickleball Classic charity tournament is set to be held on May 4, 2025, benefiting the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.
Hit it deeper!
Key dates and venues have been confirmed for significant Canadian pickleball events in 2025. A notable announcement involves the CNPL Western Split. Originally planned for August 9-10 in Kamloops, British Columbia, the event has been rescheduled and relocated. It will now take place on July 19-20 at a new venue: the Inclusive Place of Pickleball in Burnaby, British Columbia. The CNPL cited scheduling and facility conflicts as the reasons for this change and issued an apology for any inconvenience caused. The new venue, located at 9855 Austin Rd #2, Burnaby, BC V3J 1N4, is described as a "state-of-the-art facility" expected to offer a "world-class environment" for players and fans. The CNPL expressed excitement about hosting the event in Burnaby, anticipating a thriving spirit of the game and community.
In other CNPL news, grounds passes are now available for purchase for two earlier events in the season. Fans can secure passes for the season opener in London, Ontario, which will be held on May 17 and 18 at Smash Pickleball. This event includes both the amateur competition "Smash Pickleball: Victoria Day Edition" and the CNPL Central Split. Following London, the CNPL heads to Montreal, Quebec, for an event on June 7 and 8 at the Royal Westcourt Social Club. Passes for both events can be purchased through the ticketing partner, Showpass. Advance online passes cost $5 per day, while purchasing at the door will be $10 per day. Fans are encouraged to buy online for the discount and to guarantee entry. The passes grant access to both the local and CNPL events, allowing fans to enjoy professional-level matches and support the growth of Canadian professional pickleball.
Beyond the professional league, community-focused tournaments continue to be significant. The Ottawa Pickleball Classic, a popular charity event, is returning for its third consecutive year. This tournament is scheduled for May 4, 2025, and will be hosted at the EY Centre in Ottawa. The event is expected to draw over 200 players and will run from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Crucially, all proceeds from the Ottawa Pickleball Classic will benefit the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation. The tournament is highlighted as a "key fundraiser" that supports "essential medical research and patient care initiatives". Players and guests can look forward to a day of competitive and recreational play options, community spirit, and contributing to a "noble cause". These announcements collectively outline key dates and venues for both professional league play and local charitable events across different provinces in Canada.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The news from Canada reflects a developing and increasingly structured pickleball scene. The Canadian National Pickleball League's adjustments to its schedule and venues, while acknowledging initial conflicts, demonstrate an effort to establish a stable framework for professional play, highlighted by securing a "state-of-the-art facility" in Burnaby for the Western Split. The availability of affordable grounds passes for multiple CNPL events suggests a focus on making professional pickleball accessible to fans across different regions. Alongside the league, the continuation and success of local charity events like the Ottawa Pickleball Classic underscore the sport's growing popularity at the community level and its potential for social impact. Collectively, the sources paint a picture of a Canadian pickleball landscape that is expanding both in its professional league structure and its grassroots community engagement.