Park Board Gives Greenlight to Vancouver Aquatic Centre Renewal

At last night’s Park Board meeting, Commissioners approved a program to renew the Vancouver Aquatic Centre (VAC), which has reached the end of its functional lifespan. 

This decision follows a report back from staff outlining that they are not able to proceed with a 50-metre pool under the current budget and timelines. 

The plan approved last night includes a 25-metre lap pool, leisure pool, large hot pool, dive towers, and a variety of other aquatic and recreational amenities.

“This critical renewal ensures the facility continues to serve the downtown and broader Vancouver community from its iconic waterfront location in the West End for years to come,” says Vancouver Park Board Chair, Laura Christensen. “As part of this decision, we’re also reaffirming a commitment for a new 50-metre aquatic facility in the next ten years.”

The existing VAC currently operates at approximately 30% of its potential capacity, mainly due to the temperature, depth and configuration of the lap and dive tanks, as well as the facility’s age and condition.

The design of the renewed aquatic centre strikes a balance in supporting competitive dive and swim groups while offering a variety of leisure options. 

Key features and activities of the new aquatic centre could include:  

• 25-metre pool for lap swimming and swim events   
• Diving tank equipped with various diving board heights to support a range of training and competition  
• Leisure pool   
• Wellness amenities including a hot pool and sauna   
• Expanded fitness room offering more space and equipment   
• Multiple-purpose room for various activities and community events   
• Modern, accessible washroom and change room facilities  

City and Park Board staff recognize that the design is a significant change from the current 50-metre pool and are committed to optimizing the renewed facility to offer a range of aquatic activities. Key factors in developing the recommended direction include budget, schedule requirements and the size of the site. 

As part of their decision, Commissioners also directed staff to reallocate $7.6 million from the West End Waterfront Parks Implementation Project to help fund detailed design and construction of the new facility.

Additionally, staff were directed to update the “Recommendations for Service Delivery” section of the Park Board’s long-term road map for aquatics in the city, VanSplash, to include a 25-year vision that reflects the current state of the Park Board’s aquatic inventory and aligns with other strategies and plans. This update will also incorporate provisions for a 50-metre pool within the next 10 years.

Staff have also been directed to report back on the feasibility of adding a temporary pool basin to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre to accommodate swimmers during the renewal.

Council approval would still be required for any additional funding beyond the initial $140 million allocated toward the project in the City’s 2023-2026 Capital Plan.

If Council approves the additional funds, the project will proceed to detailed planning and design, with start of construction anticipated in late 2026.