Key Takeaways
- Swiss sports equipment sharing platform Equip Sport launches first North American operations in Surrey, British Columbia with 30 self-service stations across 20+ parks
- The company operates over 500 lending stations across Europe serving 350,000+ active users who have logged more than 1 million hours of sports activity
- Surrey residents access free basketball, soccer, table tennis, and fitness equipment through a mobile app with no credit card or payment required
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities funds the initiative at no cost to the city or residents, with Toronto expected to launch next
App-Based Model Brings European Sharing Economy to North American Parks
Equip Sport operates a sharing economy platform for sports equipment that functions similar to bike-sharing systems. Founded in Switzerland in 2021, the company installs self-service stations in public spaces where users unlock equipment through a mobile app, use it for their activity, then return it to the station.
The platform currently provides access to basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, paddleboards, tennis rackets, and fitness equipment at over 500 stations across Europe. Users download the Equip Sport app, locate nearby stations, tap to unlock, and start playing without payment or credit card information.
“We believe sport is one of the world’s most powerful catalysts for change,” according to company materials. “Our mission is to facilitate access to sport for everyone, anywhere, anytime.”
Surrey Deployment Marks First North American Market Entry
The City of Surrey launched 30 Equip Sport stations in August 2025 across locations including Cloverdale Athletic Park, Tamanawis Park, Bear Creek Park, and South Surrey Athletic Park. The deployment represents the first implementation of the Equip Sport model in North America, with Toronto expected to follow.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities funds the Surrey program, covering all costs for equipment and station operations. The national organization focuses on removing financial and accessibility barriers for youth sports participation.
“Surrey’s bold vision for growth, innovation, and inclusive public spaces makes it the perfect launchpad for Equip Sport in North America,” said Vincent Borel, CEO of Equip Sport. “Together, we’re reimagining how urban communities move, connect, and play, unlocking free access to sport for all.”
Mayor Brenda Locke positioned the initiative as addressing participation barriers: “Sport is for everyone, but financial and logistical barriers can make it hard to participate. This free initiative provides sports equipment to all residents, helping to remove those barriers and strengthen community participation and connection.”
Addressing Equipment Access Gaps Through Public Infrastructure
The model targets families and individuals who face logistical challenges in sports participation. Users don’t need to purchase, store, or transport equipment to participate in recreational activities. The stations provide immediate access to gear at the point of activity.
Marco Di Buono, President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, said the partnership advances the organization’s core mission: “We believe all kids should have the opportunity to get involved in sport, and this partnership with Surrey and Equip helps bring that vision to life.”
The company’s European operations have generated over 1 million hours of sports activity across 350,000+ active players. The platform’s year-round availability supports consistent physical activity without seasonal equipment purchases or storage requirements.
Testing North American Appetite for Equipment Sharing Models
Surrey’s launch provides Equip Sport with market validation data for North American expansion. The company positions its model as part of broader sharing economy trends prioritizing access over ownership.
The partnership structure with municipal governments and nonprofit funding organizations may inform replication strategies as Toronto and potentially other cities evaluate similar programs. Success metrics will likely track active users, equipment utilization rates, and geographic participation patterns across Surrey’s diverse neighborhoods.
The company’s emphasis on “collaborative innovation” and sustainable consumption aligns with municipal sustainability goals while addressing recreation access challenges in growing urban centers.
via: Surrey.CA
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