Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has announced that Kitsilano Pool will reopen on August 7, 2024, pending any unforeseen challenges. Joined by the construction crew onsite, Mayor Sim expressed excitement that this iconic community hub will soon welcome residents and visitors to enjoy the summer.
“Every Vancouverite has a memory from Kits Pool,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “It’s where many of us learned to swim, where we met up with friends on sunny days, and where families enjoyed summer vacations. As one of the most iconic pools in Canada, our Council is dedicated to ensuring it remains a centerpiece of our city while we move forward with plans for a new facility.”
Despite renovations in 2018, Kitsilano Pool faced significant challenges, including ongoing leaks that posed health and safety risks, resulting in its closure last summer.
To address these challenges, repairs are currently underway to extend the pool’s lifespan by approximately two years while plans for a new facility are developed. Mayor Sim highlighted the invaluable contribution of engineer Jeff Stibbart, who he secured to provide pro-bono advice to help implement this short-term solution and ensure the pool’s timely reopening this summer.
“Closing Kits Pool was a disappointment shared by the entire city,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “But we didn’t give up. We knew we couldn’t lose this beloved asset, and thanks to the hard work of our City staff, Scott Construction, and expert Jeff Stibbart, we’re ensuring that Kits Pool will continue to thrive as a vibrant community hub.”
Last week, Mayor Ken Sim and Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung passed a motion to pave the way for a modernized replacement for Kits Pool. Innovative funding methods, such as a dedicated fund for donations and corporate sponsorships, are being explored to make this crucial project a reality.
