Vancouver’s Iconic Aquatic Centre Set for Makeover
Vancouver Park Board approves plan to replace aging 50m pool at VAC with 25m pool, sparking both hope and heartbreak in local swim community.
Vancouver Aquatic Centre
By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 4, 2025
The Vancouver Park Board has approved a $170-million redevelopment plan for the aging Vancouver Aquatic Centre (VAC), confirming that the facility’s existing 50-metre Olympic-sized pool will be replaced with a 25-metre pool — a move that has drawn both praise and disappointment from the community.
The decision, made during a committee meeting Monday night, follows a contentious debate that included public outcry and a weekend march outside the West End facility. For many swimmers and athletic clubs, the loss of one of the few 50-metre pools in the Lower Mainland is deeply felt.
“The public spoke loud and clear, and we were not heard,” said Jennie Lo of the Canadian Dolphin Swim Club, which has trained at VAC for decades. “This decision will force us to reevaluate our programming, and we’ll likely have to reduce our club capacity.”
The facility, which has operated at only 30% of its potential due to outdated infrastructure and safety issues — including a 2024 incident where concrete fell into the pool — is in critical need of renewal. Park Board Chair Laura Christensen said the new centre will serve both recreational and competitive users, and reaffirmed a commitment to deliver a new 50-metre aquatic facility within the next ten years.
While the loss of the Olympic-sized pool is a blow to high-performance swimming, the redevelopment does include several modern upgrades that could benefit the wider community. Key features of the new aquatic centre include:
- A 25-metre lap pool suitable for swim events
- A diving tank with multiple board heights
- A leisure pool for families and casual users
- Wellness amenities like a hot pool and sauna
- An expanded fitness room with more space and equipment
- A multi-purpose room for events and activities
- Modern, accessible change rooms and washrooms
The Park Board has also directed staff to explore the feasibility of adding a temporary pool basin during construction, which is expected to begin in late 2026, pending additional Council funding.
Though many mourn the downsizing of the pool, others see the upgrade as a necessary step to keep aquatic services available in downtown Vancouver.
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