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Proposed Design for New Vancouver Aquatic Centre Sparks Controversy
Residents of Vancouver are getting an initial glimpse of the design plans for a new Aquatic Centre, but opinions on the proposal are divided.
The Vancouver Park Board has declared that the existing pool, which has been in operation for over fifty years, has reached the end of its effective life, with visible deterioration becoming evident.
This week marked the unveiling of renderings for the new facility, which aims to incorporate diving boards, increased natural light through additional windows, and an expanded fitness area.
However, a significant point of contention is the absence of a 50-metre pool in the new design. Athletic groups have voiced their concerns, stating there is a notable demand for such a facility, which the current centre offers.
The proposed plan includes a 25-metre primary lap pool, alongside a hot pool and a separate leisure and teaching pool. Philip Skinder, director and head coach of the Pacific Lifesaving Club and Pacific Swim Academy, highlighted the impact of reducing pool space: “The only 50-metre pool we can rent at right now is the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. If this becomes a 25-metre pool, we lose about half a kilometre square of pool space, leading to a situation where we have to share a smaller area with a larger number of people.”
The Pacific Swim Academy is engaged in various aquatic activities, instructing around 400 children annually, while also competing on an international level.
According to Skinder, the current programming is already at maximum capacity, and many participants find themselves on waiting lists.
Concerns about the potential disruption caused by the construction have also been raised, particularly regarding the extended closure of the pool. Kelly Taitinger, head coach of the Canadian Dolphin Swim Club, which boasts over 250 members, expressed her worries: “If they suddenly cut the pool in half and close it down for three years, it will essentially destroy the club. We rely exclusively on this pool for our training, and finding alternative space for that many members will be a significant challenge.”
Community Needs Versus Competitive Facilities
In addressing the athletes’ concerns, Vancouver Park Board Vice-Chair Brennan Bastyovanszky expressed understanding. “As a swimmer, I prefer 50 metres. I know from speaking with various athletes and swim clubs that they require access to a 50-metre pool,” he stated. However, he acknowledged the community’s broader demand for leisure facilities, noting the distance to other options like Lord Byng and the Hillcrest Centre.
Bastyovanszky indicated that the existing pool operates at roughly 30% capacity, whereas the new plans anticipate usage to reach 80%. “This shift means more people will benefit from the facility and learn to swim, though it will indeed affect current competitive users,” he added.
The community’s apprehensions have led to the initiation of a petition, which has already gathered over 6,000 signatures. Voter approval for the proposed facility, amounting to $140 million, was secured during the 2022 municipal election, where the option for a 50-metre pool had been specifically mentioned.
Source
globalnews.ca