Indoor Pickleball Facility Opens At The City of Lougheed: The Inclusive Place of Pickleball (“IPOP”)

The area’s pickleball community came out in force to support IPOP’s grand opening.

​May 13, 2025, Vancouver, BC--With today’s sport of pickleball continuing to grow at double digit percentage rates and demand for required playing space is limited, the Inclusive Place of Pickleball’s (IPOP) grand opening—attended by municipal dignitaries, executives, staff, media and community picklers—dismissed such concerns with one swift swing of a paddle.
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The two men in the center from left to right are IPOP CEO Chris White, and Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, where both are flanked by Councilors during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley (left, or top on mobile device) and CEO & Chief Paddle Officer Chris White (right, or bottom on mobile device) addressing the attendees prior to the ribbon cutting (Click photos to enlarge.)

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:15 AM at The City of Lougheed, Burnaby Major Mike Hurley, with his Councilors, cut the ceremonial ribbon that formally ushered in pickleball in a previously built Safeway outlet transformed into a 9 regulation-size courts with 30,000 SF of health and social pickleball haven.

IPOP’s 30,000 SF facility includes numerous amenities for picklers. (Click photos to enlarge.)

This impressive facility includes a lounge, snack area, various practice spaces, and more. Now Burnaby has its own go-to indoor pickleball facility that is the envy of other municipalities.

IPOP CEO Chris White speaking with Global TV.

About IPOP
According to IPOP’s news release: “The Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP) is a proudly Canadian company focused on building inclusive, community-centered pickleball facilities across Canada. Designed for all skill levels—from newcomers to seasoned players—IPOP offers dedicated indoor courts, structured programming, and a welcoming environment that emphasizes health, fun, and connection.

IPOP is actively expanding across Canada and into international regions. We seek partnerships with Pickleball Canada associations, First Nations, municipalities, developers, investors,and pickleball players with an interest in the business of sustainable pickleball with shared values.”

​Player-, Community-, and Organization-Centric
"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 (CPO) 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.”

IPOP is committed to numerous endeavours such as structured leagues, ladder play, level-rated drop-ins, dedicated gamified practice areas, all-levels coaching, youth programming, social mixers, and tournaments. Also, IPOP is the official partner of the Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) in the Lower Mainland, and it has a clear pathway for players to reach the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL). The first Western CNPL spectator event will take place this Summer with Canada's best players in action at the facility.

​Moreover, IPOP has partnered with BC Lung Foundation in support of its health initiative. "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" says Christopher Lam, President & CEO at BC Lung.

Dignitaries, executives, and staff attended the grand opening, including Praveen Varshney, Haneef Esmall, Muni Sehgal and Kiran Dhatt above.

The Future
"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.”

IPOP has plans to expand in Victoria, Nanaimo, Surrey, Montreal, and North Vancouver. The City of Penticton location is set to open later this year. In addition, international markets are under consideration.

Above left (top on mobile device) David Snell, President Pickleball BC and Jim Burke, Board Secretary front middle) join Chris and others for opening celebration play. Above right (bottom on mobile device) is David trying to retrieve a well-placed drop. (Click photos to enlarge.)

Pickleball BC President David Snell states: “The IPOP indoor facility is well outfitted and a very welcome addition to the community’s pickleball facilities. Kudos to Chris and his team for executing a facility model where the underlying objective was to cater to players of all skill levels.

Just as significant as the favourable health benefits the sport provides (according to research studies conducted)—the IPOP facility will positively promote the growth, development, and enjoyment of pickleball. It’s a win, win all around for everyone.”

For more information visit:
www.ipop.fun
Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP)
Unit 2, 9855 Austin Rd, The City of Lougheed Shopping Centre, Burnaby, BC