We are leading the renewal of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre (VAC).
Since 1974, the VAC has provided one-of-a-kind aquatic services in Vancouver.
The VAC includes:
- A 50m lap pool
- Tot pool
- Diving tank
- Whirlpool
- Sauna
- Weight room
The facility hosts competition diving, water polo and short-course swim meets, and is used primarily for fitness and lap swimming, aquafit, and swim lessons.
Background
The 2023-2026 Capital Plan PDF file (2 MB) allocated a total of $140 million in funding towards the planning, design, and construction of a new VAC.
The VAC renewal is supported by VanSplash: Vancouver Aquatics Strategy PDF file (4 MB) and aligns with the West End Waterfront Masterplan process. Over four phases (2016 to 2019), the VanSplash project team engaged with the public on the renewal of the VAC in the context of city-wide aquatics services. The team will use feedback from those sessions, along with the current work of the West End Community Hub and the West End Waterfront Masterplan, to guide the next steps of project engagement.
The land on which the current VAC sits is leased from the provincial government. A lease replacement to support the extended lifespan of the new facility and engagement with Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations will be part of the project process.
Engagement
Public engagement for this project will build on previous feedback collected during our work on VanSplash, West End Waterfront Plan, and West End Community Hub.
VanSplash engagement took place from 2016 to 2019 and included participation from over 6,200 members of the public in surveys, stakeholder meetings, workshops, and a dedicated advisory group.
Timeline
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October 2019
Approval of VanSplash Indoor Pool Recommendation 8 to replace the current VAC
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June 30, 2022
City Council approved the 2023-2026 Capital Plan, including funding for the renewal of the VAC
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January 2023
Procurement process started for consulting team
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We are here
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2023 to 2026
Engagement, planning, and design
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2026
Construction begins