The problem at hand
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada, popular among retirees and active adults, both of which represent a significant portion of Orillia’s population.
Pickleball Canada estimated 1.8 million Canadian players in its 2026 survey, with Ontario leading the country in estimated participation. The sport is getting bigger, younger and more competitive.
Yet despite its rising popularity, Orillia lacked a dedicated year-round pickleball facility that meets the growing demand.
The few indoor options, such as Orillia’s Recreation Centre and ODAS Park, devote their gymnasium spaces to pickleball for a few hours per day and is consistently at or over capacity, leaving players with limited court access and playing time, especially during the winter months when the city’s outdoor courts are unusable.
The city’s outdoor courts are limited in number, scattered across various parks, lack lights for night play, are only usable from late spring to early fall, and for some players can become less desirable to play at when summer temperatures get too high, it rains or gets windy.
The solution
11 Sports & Social Club is the solution to this – an indoor all-season pickleball facility with four courts, pickleball-only lines, high ceilings, LED lighting and space to socialize off court – for players of all skill levels and ages to learn, play, compete and continue driving the game forward.
The club will never to be only court rentals. A brand-new player should be able to learn here. A 3.0 should find appropriate games. A 3.5 should have a path to improve. A genuine 4.0+ player should find stronger competition. Kids should discover the sport. Friends should rent a court and laugh for two hours without caring about ratings.
From the team
Pickleball is an incredible sporting and social phenomenon. People in retirement are living longer and more active lives. Those in their 20s and 30s are living healthier and looking for fun social experiences. Parents are looking for activities that get their kids off their phones and out of the house. There’s never been a sport that can cater to so many age groups at once like pickleball does.
– Cesar Antonio.
We are excited to bring an all-season facility to Orillia that is badly needed to continue to grow the sport. People from Orillia and surrounding towns now have a place to play that is closer to home. This as a viable business opportunity and community project that will have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of Orillia residents, becoming a community hub for players of all ages, and supporting Orillia’s tourism and economy.
– Abel Cruz
Why “11”?
The name is local too. The ’11’ in 11 Sports & Social Club pays homage to pickleball’s scoring system and Orillia’s location off Highway 11. We wanted a name that felt people in Orillia and surrounding towns could connect with and feel represented by.
Your next step
Come experience the club for yourself. Explore our drop-ins, programs, court rentals and more.