Two new pickleball courts opened at Saanich's Uptown, adding more locations in Greater Victoria for one of the fastest growing sports in Canada.

The courts, which are located at the north end of Uptown Boulevard, also features a number of amenities, including a seating area for spectators and a rental shop for those who are new to pickleball or who just don't have the equipment.

"It is no secret that pickleball is growing by leaps and bounds throughout Canada," said Kristy Lowes, general manager of Uptown. 

On Friday, July 5, the courts are expected to open to the public and the cost to play is $20 per hour and rentals are $10 per paddle or players are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Connie McCann, president of the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association, said she was recently in a call with Pickleball Canada associates, who said that there has been around 36,000 new pickleball players in Canada over the past year, and the VRPA has gained almost 500 members over the past year.

The pro shop hours for rentals and information is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and the courts are open to the public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.