Pickleball hub opening pushed to early 2026

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This article was published 22/08/2025 (222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The anticipated Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub — a $3-million multi-sport facility being built at 1201 Pacific Ave. — will open later than expected.

Originally set for commissioning this October, the project is now projected to be ready in January or February, Concept Homes Construction co-owner and project manager Joel Schultz told the Sun.

“We just hit some unforeseen delays, but the guys are back working hard now,” Schultz said. “The roof shows up in September — we’ll get that on and keep going. From here, we should be in pretty good shape.”

Schultz, whose company holds a 25 per cent stake in the project, said work was briefly paused while design plans were finalized to secure framing permits. He emphasized that the City of Brandon has been fully supportive throughout the process.

“There’s no holdup from the city,” he said. “They worked hard with us. It just took a bit longer than expected to get all the drawings completed.”

While the delay may disappoint those eager to use the new facility, it does not dampen the excitement surrounding the project, Downtown BIZ executive director Emmy Sanderson told the Sun.

“Construction delays are not uncommon, and we’re still excited about it,” Sanderson said. “Of course, it would be nice to be open sooner, but we’d rather it be done right and work for everybody than rush to meet deadlines.”

The site has also seen setbacks from vandalism earlier this year, when equipment and trailers were set on fire. Schultz said the incidents caused frustration but did not significantly delay progress.

“It’s a pain, absolutely,” he said. “But nothing major stood in our way once we had the permits in place. We did report it to the police, and a fire inspector was also involved. We chalk it up to people with nothing better to do.”

Sanderson called the incident “super unfortunate” but stressed it does not overshadow the overall progress being made downtown.

“That’s something we deal with across the whole city, not just downtown,” she said. “For anyone it happens to, it’s really unfortunate. But I’m glad it wasn’t worse, and the project can still carry on.”

While cameras are not yet practical on the unfinished site, Schultz praised police patrols in the area and said he expects stronger security measures once construction is further along.

Despite the setbacks, Sanderson believes the hub will have a transformative impact on Brandon’s core once complete.

“I think it’s going to have a tremendous impact on downtown,” she said. “It’s going to create another draw for our downtown as a destination. It’ll bring people from all over the city and western Manitoba, and we’re really excited for the positive impact it’s going to have.”

The almost 40,000-square-foot hub is being built using insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks — Styrofoam blocks filled with concrete — making the structure highly durable and energy efficient.

“It will be a very well-built building,” Schultz said.

When completed, he added, the hub will feature 14 pickleball courts — some of which double as tennis courts — along with three professional office spaces designed for physiotherapists, chiropractors or massage therapists.

The second floor will include a full fitness centre, hot tub, sauna, cold plunge and locker rooms with showers. Lounge areas will provide space for athletes and families to relax.

Membership pricing is expected to be announced within the next couple of months, alongside corporate sponsorship opportunities that could see businesses name individual courts.

“A grand opening tournament and celebration, with food, giveaways, and community events, is also being planned,” Schultz said. “We want to make the launch a big community event. It’s going to be a fantastic facility, and we’re excited to finally be getting close.”

The City of Brandon designated the project site as a community revitalization property, which includes the land sale at $1 and a 10-year 100 per cent incremental municipal tax reduction.

The hub is expected to attract substantial foot traffic, with projections ranging from 12,000 visitors in the first year to nearly 60,000 by the 10th year.

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