The City of North Vancouver could see half a million people spend close to $10 million while visiting a proposed harbour swimming deck in Lower Lonsdale, according to city projections.
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The numbers were presented in a council agenda. The facility, planned for Burrard Inlet off Waterfront Park, would be free to access but is expected to draw visitors who will spend money at nearby businesses, according to a city presentation on the project.
The harbour deck would accommodate more than 500,000 visitors per year, the report says, and feature generous, protected swimming areas, including a shallow seawater pool with zero entry, lane swimming spanning more than 50 metres across three lanes, and diving platforms at 3 and 5 metres. The facility would include spacious lounging and seating areas.
Accessible features would include a ramp allowing access for people using wheelchairs or prams, even at low tide, and a zero-entry pool allowing visitors to roll or walk into the water.
The deck would include change stalls, outdoor showers, lounging and social areas, improvements to existing washrooms, and site ambassadors. Amenities would include umbrellas, chairs and planters, with potential for a pop-up bar or concession in the future.
Lifeguards would staff the facility during peak seasons, with first aid services, life rings and safety railings. Two access ramps, ladders and stairs would provide water access. A buoy line would surround the swimming area to keep swimmers safe, and security would guard the facility overnight. Water quality would be monitored regularly.
According to the city, the open water swimming experience would be far cheaper to build and operate than an outdoor pool. Recent 25-metre outdoor pools in Metro Vancouver cost $20 million to $32 million to build and $77,000 to $225,000 per month to operate during a four-month season. The proposed harbour deck would cost approximately $20 million to construct while being double the size, and $41,000 per month to operate year-round, city says.
The city expects the facility to bring new visitors to the waterfront and Shipyards area, increase local spending on food and beverage, and enhance the city’s reputation as a vibrant destination.
The Weston family is donating $16 million to the national charitable organization Swim Drink Fish to fund the majority of the capital cost, while the city is contributing $5 million from developer funds. The city will be responsible for the design, construction and operations of the deck.
Swim Drink Fish approached the city in late 2023 with the harbour swimming deck concept. A feasibility study was completed to determine practicality and explore preliminary designs.
Following consultation with government partners, public engagement, procurement and permitting with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, construction is expected to begin next spring with a projected opening in 2027.
How about all the money required to satisfy the lawsuits from people getting sick from the water we are advised to NOT ingest through shellfish etc.?
You can find beach water quality readings on Vancouver Coastal Health’s website. Sea water is monitored almost every day.
I have been swimming in the water off West Van’s beaches since 1955 and have never been sick as a result.
The water there will likely be monitored daily!
You can’t compare 2025 to 1955. The explosion of population, boat traffic, tankers all using Burrard Inlet as a waterway highway. I would not let my children swim there. West Van yes, but there, no way.
If it makes the inlet water quality a priority then I’m interested….dredging the inlet would compromise the safe use of the facility for years and be another source of tourist witnessing travesty of vulnerable lives like the lower East side. I live in Deep Cove and see the affects of over-crowding due to population growth in the grassy parks and shorelines. This facility will help address stress on over-used areas. The Seabus and bus terminal, EVO parking and e-bike access will help people access it while reducing car traffic. I recommend adding a security run bike and stroller valet during peak season to reduce car traffic. Garbage and washroom and change room ambassadors to support clean and safe facilities would be a good idea. They could also respond to other public safety concerns like intoxication, aggressive behaviours and voyeurism etc.
They won’t dredge the harbour for this. They don’t need to. If you are related to Brent Eilers, he likely swam in the water off West Van’s beaches when they had swim decks!
I would prefer to see one at Dundarave again. But the new residents of the North Shore are sue-crazy.
BAD IDEA. This will not bring added business. The loss of business is due to the lack of parking, for many of us that do not cycle, lack of bike licenses for accountability and bylaw enforcements. The whole area especially especially esplanade and Chesterfield leaves no room for vehicles to
drop off people . Cyclists use the sidewalks , street etc.
and do not abide by the bike lanes only. Very dangerous
for people on foot. WE have have a wonderful coast line
with beautiful beaches. In my view people would rather access our beaches than a swimming pool at the foot of L>Lonsdale- leave the space open for future sea bus expansions . No one can determine the effects of climate change in the future and what that would mean to water front expansion.
Louise
Compare WestVan Bylaw Department to North Van Bylaw Department. NV Bylaw Department is a bad joke on taxpayers.
The marine wild life will thrive on this addition in the harbour. The Seals, Otters, Seagulls, Cormorants, Herons and Crows included will be in attendance 365 day a year it will be new habitat. The tidal effects and Deep Sea vessels transit wake’s may affect this installation. Just like a boat that turns into a big hole in the sea that you constantly pour a whole lot of your money. Ask a sailor.
The Harbour is not the cleanest place to take a dip! Only to advise caution and a recommendation; if you fall in the water don’t lick you lips fish aren’t the only one’s that poo in the ocean.
Worst idea ever for my home town….who the hell is driving this bus anyway….it certainly is not anyone that has this city’s best interest at heart….holy crap
I believe that the City of North Vancouver has no North Vancouver citizens in mind. It’s all about filling the coffers and maintaining the fewest services possible – especially bad is its invisible bylaw department.
Born and raised here. Worst idea yet for this council.
Great idea, but taxpayers have not been told whether they will be covering the $41,000/mo = $500,000/yr operating & security cost, as admission is “free”. Will the city accumulate a major renovation fund for 25 years hence when the facility will need an inevitable overhaul?
good idea, go for it, a good alternative to all the swim spots owned by the port , queensbury home owner
And they would park where?