The Championnat Provincial Marcel‑Lemieux is set to break new ground this weekend, June 12 through 14, 2026, by staging the entire provincial pickleball tournament on outdoor courts for the first time. The event will take place in Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield, a community southwest of Montreal, where twenty brand‑new courts have been installed specifically for the competition. Organizers have confirmed that the all‑outdoor format will proceed provided weather conditions remain suitable throughout the three‑day schedule.
Historically, Quebec’s annual provincial pickleball championship has been hosted indoors, allowing play to continue regardless of rain or temperature fluctuations. This year’s shift to an exclusively outdoor setting reflects a deliberate move by the tournament’s steering committee to showcase the sport in a more open environment and to take advantage of the region’s summer climate. The new courts, laid out across a dedicated site in Salaberry‑de‑Valleyfield, were constructed to meet the standards required for provincial competition and to accommodate the growing number of participants.
The decision to go fully outdoors carries logistical implications. While the courts are ready, the tournament’s continuation is contingent on weather that is neither excessively hot nor marked by precipitation. Organizers have indicated that contingency plans are in place should adverse conditions arise, but the primary goal remains to deliver a seamless outdoor experience for athletes and spectators alike. The shift also aligns with broader trends in Quebec’s recreational landscape, where pickleball has seen increased participation across age groups.
Players arriving for the championship can expect to compete on the newly built surfaces, with matches scheduled throughout the weekend. Spectators will have the opportunity to watch the games in an open‑air setting, potentially enhancing the atmosphere compared with previous indoor editions. The event marks a notable milestone for the sport in the province, as it demonstrates both the infrastructure investment and the confidence of organizers to host a major tournament entirely outdoors.