Vancouver Aquatic Centre allowed private use after public closure
Vancouver Aquatic Centre closure sparks backlash over private events and safety Court-approved shutdown raised questions—see why critics say the city sent mixed signals.
The City of Vancouver closed the Vancouver Aquatic Centre to the public on June 28 after a B.C. Supreme Court judge said keeping it open carried ongoing safety risks.
Despite that closure, the pool was later used for two private events: a Canadian Dolphin Swim Club party on June 29 and a park board staff gathering on June 30.
The closures and events have drawn criticism from the group Protect Our Vancouver Aquatic Centre, which says the city’s actions are inconsistent with its safety arguments. City officials said the June 30 event was intended as a farewell for staff, while court documents cited structural and public safety concerns at the facility.
The centre has been at the center of controversy for months as the city plans to replace the existing 50metre pool with a smaller facility. A related judicial review is still pending, and Vancouver city council is also set to vote on the demolition contract.