News brief · Parks
The Aquatic Centre is heading for demolition. What comes next for swimmers?
Demolition is expected in early October. Here’s what’s planned for the replacement, and where swimmers go from here.
Share this article
The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is heading towards demolition, with an early-October start reported by Daily Hive on September 15. The outlet also reports that the B.C. Supreme Court dismissed the legal challenge to the renewal project that day. Daily Hive, September 15
What would replace it?
The City’s June 10 announcement set June 28 as the old facility’s final day. It describes a fully funded, $175-million replacement with a 25-metre lap pool, a separate diving tank, a leisure pool, a hot pool and sauna, and expanded fitness space. Construction was anticipated to begin in late 2026. City renewal announcement
The existing facility had a 50-metre lap pool. The new lap pool would be 25 metres, a big change if you go there for a 50-metre swim. The plans also include separate diving and leisure pools. City project background
So where do swimmers go?
Pool length has turned into an election issue. The part nobody has answered is what a redesign would cost, and how many more years swimmers would wait for it.
In the meantime there’s the weekly swim to sort out. The City said staff were looking for room at other pools. We’ve collected the schedules and the alternatives in a separate guide. A pool you can walk to is worth more than a pool you have to drive to, which is part of why this one stings.
Read our guide to current swimming options and comparison of published pool commitments. Explore Vancouver Election 2026 · Share your experience of finding pool time
Vancouver election guide · Try the Vancouver election compass · Standards and corrections
.jpg){kind=link}