Manitoulin Pickleball Club

Manitoulin Island, Ontario

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WInter 2026 Season

SCHEDULE CHANGES will be shown here and on the MPC facebook page and in TeamReach (see below)

We are starting to use the TeamReach app for our communication around schedule notices and cancellations this winter. Please install the app on your device and use the code "ManitoulinPickle2025" to join our group and stay connected.

See details of our play format, and we welcome feedback on what could be improved.

MORNING/DAYTIME: Location: Nemi Rec Center (Upstairs banquet hall, go in north doors and go up the stairs immediately to the right)
Indoor Courts: 2 (membership required after 2 guest visits)

Note: There is no fee for play at these times.

Monday (9:00am - 12:00pm)
Wednesday (9:00am - 12:00pm)
Friday (9:00am - 12:00pm)

Play times are for club members.

EVENING: Location: Manitoulin Secondary School (Gymnasium)
Indoor Courts: 2-4 (membership required after 2 guest visits)

Note: There are no fees for play at this location.

Tuesday (5:30pm - 8:30pm, 4 courts reduced to 2 after 7:00)
Thursday (6:00pm - 8:30pm)

Play times are for club members.

Should you have any questions, please contact: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com

Warm Up Exercise

The 2026 EPC/MPC Challenge

The Espanola Pickleball Club/Manitoulin Pickleball Club Challenge scheduled for Sunday March 1, 2026. We are looking for a total of 12 players from each club. The same round robin format used last year will be used.

There is a $15/player entry fee payable on play day to Dan Leger. (All proceeds to be donated to local charities, as the Espanola club is picking up the tournament cost.)

All proceeds after expenses will be donated to charity.

Note: The registration is limited to 12 from each club. If you can't register and wish to play please contact Dan.

Who we are

Manitoulin Pickleball Club (MPC) is a not-for--profit association of volunteer pickleball enthusiasts who are committed to supporting the growth of the sport along with participation and development of both recreational & tournament players throughout Manitoulin Island.

Our VISION:

Pickleball Safety

Safety is of primary concern when playing pickleball, to avoid acute injuries or long-term issues which can come from falls or from being hit by balls. Please review our Pickleball Safety page for helpful information.

News

Facebook

TeamReach for schedule changes and communication

We are starting to use the TeamReach app for our communication around schedule notices and cancellations this winter. Please install the app on your device and use the code "ManitoulinPickle2025" to join our group and stay connected.
December 11th, 2025
Fall schedule changes

Please note that schedules will be changing over the next couple of months as we shift from Summer 2025 to Fall/Winter 2025-26 schedules. Check the website main page for up-to-date details. Notable changes will also be posted on Facebook.
September 22nd, 2025
Tuesday/Thursday Evening Play

Evening play at the high school ended on May 29. Evening play at the Nemi Rec Center (Curling Rink) begins June 3 at 6:00pm until 9:00pm ish.

Drills and skills play will take place for the first hour for those that would like the chance to improve themselves.

For more information: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com
June 3rd, 2025
Spring / Summer 2025 Season

The Spring / Summer 2025 Season has started. With 5 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, there is plenty of room for everyone to play.

Beginning April 21 play will take place 5 days per week, Monday - Friday (9:00am - 12;00pm) in the Little Current curling rink and Tuesday/Thursday evenings, 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Manitoulin Secondary School.

Play at the high school will run until the end of May at which time evening play will start at the curling rink replacing the Tuesday/Thursday morning play.
April 23rd, 2025
NorthShore Pickleball Leasgue

The first event of the 2025 Northshore Pickleball League will take place in Espanola on May 3, 2025.

For further information, please click HERE.
April 23rd, 2025
Fall 2024/ Winter 2025

Fall 2024/Winter 2025 season continues with 2 courts in the upstairs hall at the Nemi Rec Center and 4 courts at the Manitoulin Secondary School.

Monday | Wednesday | Friday (9:00am - 12:00pm) Please leave your shoes at the door.

Tuesday | Thursday (6:00pm - 9:00pm) Manitoulin Secondary School. Please note the protocols listed on the main MPC web page.

If there are any schedule changes, they will appear on the website and on the club's facebook page.
November 15th, 2024
Summer Season 2024

The last day winter season play date upstairs is Monday April 22, 2024. Starting Wednesday April 24, 2024, play will be in the Curling Rink.

Summer Season 2024 officially starts April 29, 2024. With 5 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, the season promises something for everyone. Cost for indoor play will be the same as last year, $2.00 for members.(MPC membership required)

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know at: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com

Note: it is advised to wear warmer clothing because the Curling Rink is still cool.
April 21st, 2024
Winter play 2023-2024

The winter play season starts Friday, November 3, upstairs at the NEMI Recreation Centre. Please see the Schedule of Play Winter 2023-24 page for the latest details.
October 27th, 2023
Summer Social - Photos

On August 16, 2023, Mike Blanchard hosted the Manitoulin Pickleball Club's summer Social gathering at his home. Check out the photo gallery and send in your own pictures to be added to the page!
August 16th, 2023
Summer Season begins!

The summer season of play has started, at the NEMI recreation centre in Little Current, in the curling rink area. We meet from 9:00am-12:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The fee is $2/session for members, and $3/session for non-members.
May 1st, 2023
Pickleball tips

Keith Holtze has recommended a Youtube video with several pickleball tips, so please check it out and then come along to our regular play with any questions you may have!
February 3rd, 2023
Winter schedule beginning October 17

As of Monday October 17, 2022 we begin our Winter schedule of play. We continue to play at the NEMI Recreation Center in the upstairs Rec. Hall on Mon/Wed/Fri from 9:30am - 12:00pm. Please see the schedule page for details, directions, and contact info.
October 15th, 2022
2022 Social

On Monday, August 29th, we gathered for our annual Pickleball Social, graciously hosted by Debbie. A few people took some pictures for us to remember the day.
August 29th, 2022
Group Photo on Wednesday, August 24

We will be taking another group photo on Wednesday, August 24 during the usual play time session from 10am-12pm at the arena in Little Current. Please join us and wear your Manitoulin Pickleball apparel if you have it!
August 18th, 2022
Tuesday Introduction sessions, and continued regular play

Reminder: For any interested adults, our “Introduction to Pickleball" sessions continue on Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm at the outdoor Pickleball/Tennis courts behind the NEMI Arena. Come out and play! Our regular scheduled club play continues on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10am-12pm.
August 17th, 2022
Group Photos - Summer 2022

Not everyone plays every session, with busy travel schedules and such, so it's difficult to get a group photo with everyone! For this reason, we take more than one group photo through the summer, to try to include as many players as possible. We expect to take another photo in August, and will announce the date ahead of time.
July 19th, 2022
Manitoulin represented at Canadian National Pickleball Championships!

Four members of the Manitoulin Pickleball Group (Pierrette Hebner, Garry Wolfe, Bud Hebner and George Ballantyne) recently competed in the Canadian National Pickleball Championships held in Kingston, Ontario. This year there were more the 950 registered participants of all ages and skill levels from all over Canada. Of special note “Bud” Hebner brought home a Bronze medal. In addition he and his wife Pierrette spent many hours “Officiating” games. Well done!
July 13th, 2022
Wind screens installed in Little Current

After making an application to the McLean's Mountain Access Road Committee last year our Club received a Grant of $1500. This allowed our Club to purchase 120’ of wind screen for the North Fence and they were installed on May 18. These screens will permit more controlled play of Pickleball on the outdoor courts during windy conditions.
Organized Play for Summer 2021

PICKLEBALL NEWS UPDATE

After reviewing a number of items:
- Nemi public health protocols
- the arena ice surface next to the curling surface is now on.
- the secondment of the Curling Rink until after the Federal Election
- the unpredictable nature of fall weather
It is time to wrap up the Summer Season of "Organized" Club Play.

Outdoor play on the tennis/pickleball courts is available in Little Current, Gore Bay, Mindemoya, Manitowaning, and Espanola on a first come first serve basis.
September 12th, 2021
Indoor Play Resumes

Greetings – Indoor Court Access

We may gain access to a portion of our indoor Pickleball courts (2) as early as tomorrow Wednesday 28, 2021. Additional courts (2) will be made available once equipment and material currently being stored on these courts is removed.

When indoor play resumes there are certain requirements for safe play that we will be expected to follow. Please review the attached SAFETY PLAN in order that we may make a smooth transition to indoor play.

Note: There are some players who are willing and or prefer to continue playing outdoors. This would take some of the load off the two indoor courts and reduce wait times.

There a couple of options regarding how indoor play will be organized, we will have to see how many people wish to play on the indoor courts.

Questions can be directed to George Ballantyne at: glmballantyne@gmail.com
July 28th, 2021
April Newsletter

MPG published a newsletter for April. Our plans are to publish one every 2-3 months.

If there is information you would like to see in the newsletter, please send your request

to: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com
April 14th, 2021
Play as of May 12, 2021

Pickleball play has been suspended until further notice.

Should you have questions or comments feel free to send to George at: glmballantyne@gmail.com
Play schedule as of March 9, 2021

As of Wednesday March 10, 2021 the following changes to our Pickleball Schedule come into effect:
- There will only be one net set up (Center Floor Location).
- We have added an extra hour of court time divided as follows and limited to 10 players per segment.
- The first segment is dedicated to open play (all levels) 90 minutes.The second segment is dedicated to advanced play 90 minutes.
- The schedule has been revised as follows Monday’s 1-4pm, Wednesday’s 1-4pm, Fridays 10am-1pm
- The nature of activity is limited to drills and Bud’s version of a drill that simulates singles play.
- We request that you enter and depart from the Facilities in an expedient manner to avoid player overlap.
- For tomorrow’s play I’m asking you to reply to me today as to your desired segment of play.
- Moving forward I will get you to use a form at the Hall to reserve your segment.
Thank you for understanding and cooperation in this matter. Not to worry if you are unfamiliar with drills or singles play (Bud’s version) Bud and I will be there to help you through it.\\Should you have questions or comments feel free to send to George at: glmballantyne@gmail.com
March 7, 2021

Scheduled Pickleball play at the Central Manitoulin Community Center is cancelled until a group of us have an opportunity to further discuss options. Hopefully we will have an update before Wednesday March 10, 2021
Resumption of Play

Greetings

I have just received confirmation from Marcus Muhr that we are a “GO” to resume play as of tomorrow at 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Play will be in accordance with the Covid – 19 practices established before the interruption at Christmas. If in doubt please review these practices at the entrance to the Hall upon arrival when you sign in. See you all tomorrow! Cheers

George
February 17th, 2021
Play Delay

Greetings Picklers

As most of you have concluded already our return to play date has been delayed until the lockdown is over. This date is subject to further change depending on the guidance provided by the Provincial Government. So like me, I recommend you occupy your spare time by taking up activities like washing the salt off your vehicles, shovelling your driveway, sanding icy pathways, bringing in firewood, watching the weather forecasts including the ones down in the sunny south, repeatedly having the same conversation with your spouse, taking up birdwatching, ordering stuff on Amazon, making your weekly dump run a date with your spouse, etc …… Cheers and stay safe!
January 8th, 2021
Updated Guidelines for Play as of Dec 24

Due to the province wide lockdown, our play is suspended. We will advise further play when we know more and will send a general email announcement at that time.

December 8th, 2020
Safety Reminder

Manitoulin Pickleball Club – Safety Reminder

The following information is intended to serve as a reminder of site specific (Mindemoya Community Center) safe practises that are to be followed by players. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 364/20 and the Guidance document specifically the section pertaining to Sports and Recreation as well as the COVID – 19 Response Framework we have the following measures:
- The main floor (court area) by definition is our “Room” and as such is limited to 10 people. Our game dictates a max of 8 players on the 2 courts. Wearing a mask while playing is a player decision. In the event a 9^th or 10th person ie. instructor, score keeper is in the room that person or persons must wear a mask and position themselves at the side of the court near a net post.
- The stage area is not a play area and we have identified it as separate from the play area. There are taped markings on the stage floor where chairs are located for social distancing. Masks are to be worn when not on the courts playing.
- Furthermore masks are to be worn when traveling to and from the courts.
- Masks are to be worn at all other times when in the Community Center.
- On a broader note: Players must decide for themselves
  - Do I feel safe to play (if in doubt error on the safe side)?
  - Have I travelled (ie. travelled to an area with a higher risk)?
  - Have I enlarged my (unprotected) social circle?
  - Do I feel sick today?
- The above reminders are in addition to the existing safe protocols for pickleball (equipment sanitization, ball cleaning), player sign in etc.
Have fun and play safe!

Nov 23, 2020-G.Ballantyne

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November 23rd, 2020
Winter Play

Greetings everyone
As most of you are aware tomorrow marks the beginning of the “Winter Season” of play for our Club. I have attached a poster that details the schedule and location of play. A few more points I want to share with you:- please wear your masks when entering the building and when you are not on the courts.- there will be chairs at the entrance for you to use when changing footwear. Please leave your outdoor footwear at the entrance.
- remember to sign in (print your name) on the attendance sheet.
- please bring exact change (2$) for rental fee.
- if not on the courts, the stage will serve as the stand by resting area. Or should I say the VIP - spectator gallery.
- please use the “common” washroom next to our playing courts (not the ones downstairs).
- be advised to “move things along” between games because we only have a tight 2 hour time slot and only 2 courts for play.
- we have created a site specific court arrangement. When numbers dictate we will utilize the 2 court layout. The 2 court arrangement results in a 10% reduction in court width on each court. The length is the same. We have close proximity to the side walls. When the attendance numbers are less the 8 we can switch to the single court layout.
- we can expect some new players and or spectators because of the community promotion poster (attached).
- I am enquiring about getting additional access to the lower room for purposes of working with new players and or drills.
- we recommend lighter clothing because the hall is heated.
- the format of play may vary a bit, based on numbers we may employ charts, round robin, paddles. Be ready for a mixed bag of routines
- let’s “embrace” this change of venue with a positive attitude. We are open to all of your constructive suggestions.

“Game on!”
- George
November 6th, 2020
Season End

Hello:

Our season at the NEMI Rec Center is coming to an end. Considering all the happenings this year, we did manage to get in some very good sessions. I want to thank everyone who helped in the organizing of our Summer season.

Watch for an email next week, announcing our Winter season play.
Safe travels - wherever you end up.
October 21st, 2020

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