Mayor Ken Sim announces that ABC will no longer seek to dissolve the Park Board, will instead run a team focused on delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible parks and services.
VANCOUVER, BC – Today, Mayor Ken Sim announced that ABC Vancouver will no longer seek to dissolve the elected Vancouver Park Board and will instead field Park Board candidates in the 2026 municipal election, with a renewed focus on delivering new community centres, safe parks, free swimming lessons, affordable recreation programs, and accessible public swimming pools.
“This current Park Board is simply not working, and Vancouverites deserve better,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “That’s why ABC Vancouver will be putting forward a team focused on the needs of residents, with a mandate to deliver high-quality parks and services that are both affordable and accessible.”
As part of that commitment, ABC is calling on the current Park Board to immediately restore drop-in access at Kitsilano Pool and public pools across Vancouver by eliminating the remaining COVID-era reservation system, time limits, and other restrictions that continue to limit access.
“Swimming is an important life skill; it should be accessible. Residents and families shouldn’t have to compete online or plan weeks in advance just to enjoy a public pool,” continued Sim. “These are the kinds of issues that ABC will address with a common-sense approach if elected with a majority on Park Board.”
Mayor Sim closed by outlining the stakes in the October election.
“The choice in this election is clear: an ABC majority that will deliver better facilities, more affordable programs, and long-overdue reforms, or candidates who support the status quo on Park Board and have contributed to years of ineffective management.”
ABC Vancouver is currently completing its candidate selection process and will announce its Park Board team later this summer.
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Media Contact:
Taylor Verrall
taylor.verrall@abcvancouver.ca