Vancouver election puts 50-metre aquatic centre pool back on the table

Vancouver’s municipal election has renewed debate over the future of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, with several civic parties now promising to build a 50metre pool as part of the facility’s rebuild. The project was previously headed toward a 25metre design, despite earlier plans and voterapproved funding for a fullsized competition pool. City staff had argued that the site could not accommodate a modern 50metre pool within the current footprint, but candidates from ABC Vancouver, TEAM, Vote Vancouver and the Vancouver Liberals are now saying otherwise. Supporters of the larger pool say the change would better serve swimmers and preserve a competitionstandard facility, while critics say the new promises are a late political shift. Demolition of the 52yearold centre is expected to begin this month, with the new facility projected to open in 2029.