The Alberta government has announced a significant investment in community recreation, with Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko revealing a $7 million allocation for the 2025 Active Communities Initiative.
Major Projects Receive Funding
Among the notable projects receiving support are what will become Canada's largest pickleball facility in Spruce Grove and community rink upgrades in Edmonton. Minister Boitchenko made the announcement during a press conference held at the IQ Tennis and Pickleball Centre in Edmonton on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
"We are committed to strengthening sport and recreation opportunities in every corner of our province, and with this year's $7 million investment, we are building healthier and more active communities in Alberta," Boitchenko stated while holding a tennis racket during the announcement.
Spruce Grove's Record-Breaking Pickleball Facility
The Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club in Spruce Grove is set to become a national landmark for the sport. According to Stuart Houston, government relations director for the club, the provincial funding will help complete an additional 24 outdoor pickleball courts.
When combined with existing facilities—four outdoor courts and 14 indoor courts—the complex will boast a total of 42 courts, making it the largest pickleball centre in Canada. The total project value exceeds $2.3 million, with municipal contributions and additional funding sources supporting the vision.
"Our club will do a little more work to see us through this incredible regional amenity valued at just over $2.3 million," Houston explained. "Municipal contributions have also helped us make this vision a reality, and we hope to garner a little more additional funding."
Edmonton and Southern Alberta Projects
In Edmonton, the Chappelle Gardens Residents Association received funding for community rink upgrades, representing one of fourteen projects supported by the 2025 grant. The majority of approved projects are concentrated in southern Alberta communities.
The complete list of funded projects includes:
- Caroline & District Athletic & Agricultural Society, arena renewal, Caroline
- Chappelle Gardens Residents Association, community rink upgrades, Edmonton
- Chestermere Community Association, arena renewal, Chestermere
- Crossroads Community Association, all-season multisport facility, Calgary
- Lomond Community Centre Agricultural Society, arena renewal, Lomond
- Lubicon Lake Band #453, multipurpose facility, Little Buffalo
- Okotoks Pickleball and Tennis Centre, pickleball and tennis centre, Okotoks
- Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club, pickleball courts, Spruce Grove
- Rockyford Agricultural Society, curling rink upgrades, Rockyford
- South Fish Creek Recreation Association, energy-efficient upgrades, Calgary
- Springbank Park for All Seasons Agricultural Society, gym and indoor turf field, Calgary
- Sunalta Community Association, all-season multisport facility, Calgary
- Sundre and District Curling Club, accessibility upgrades, Sundre
- Valley Ski Club Castor Association, snowmaking infrastructure upgrades, Alliance
The Active Communities Initiative continues to demonstrate the provincial government's commitment to enhancing recreational infrastructure across Alberta, supporting everything from traditional sports facilities to rapidly growing activities like pickleball.
