April 15, 2025 – Vancouver, BC – ABC Vancouver is sounding the alarm after the Park Board shut down the proposal to build a 50-metre pool in South Vancouver — without allowing residents to have their say. At last night’s meeting, the Park Board quashed ABC Vancouver Commissioner Jas Virdi’s Think Aquatics motion that called for transparent, community-driven consultation around restoring aquatic facilities at Sunset Community Centre.
In a rare move, the Park Board refused to move a motion forward for public input and discussion — effectively shutting down dialogue before it could begin.
“This is not just a missed opportunity, it’s a closed-door decision that silences the voices of South Vancouver and pool users in our city,” says Commissioner Virdi. “With South Vancouver historically underserved, this decision raises serious questions about transparency, representation and equity in how public facilities are planned.”
The proposed engagement process would have included feedback from residents, user groups and stakeholders, and explored the feasibility of different pool options — all aligned with the city’s own VanSplash Aquatics Strategy.
South Vancouver is already lacking aquatic infrastructure, with two pools being decommissioned in the last 20 years. The area is now being further denied an opportunity for improvement — despite a clear need and support from MP Taleeb Noormohamed.
“We can’t build the future of aquatics in Vancouver without a facility that supports competitive swimming. A 50- metre pool is essential to help our athletes train and compete right here at home. It’s frustrating to see this important conversation — and a chance for federal funding — cut off before the community could even weigh in.”
When community voices are shut out, it’s a clear sign the system is broken. This is another example of why ABC Vancouver is pushing for Park Board responsibilities to be brought under City Council oversight to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Media Contact
Tara Foslien
tara_foslien@abcvancouver.ca
604-202-3038