A staff recommendation to reduce the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquatic Centre’s 50-metre pool to 25 metres as part of a redevelopment pitch got the go-ahead from the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»park board on Monday night.
In February, staff put forward a $170-million proposal and a new design that would reduce the pool to 25 metres while adding a leisure pool, a large hot tub and dive towers along with other aquatic and recreational amenities.
A from staff stated it is not feasible to deliver a 50-metre training pool within the existing building footprint that meets minimum aquatic industry standards “while providing the recommended renewal program.”
Jeannie Lo, president of the Canadian Dolphin Swim Club and Swim BC, said disappointment doesn’t begin to express how she feels about the decision.
"The community spoke and the park board didn't care,” said Lo.
Lo spoke during the meeting and questioned why the hot tub and fitness centre were being expanded while the main 50-metre pool was being reduced.
“The plans are still at the schematic drawing stage. Why is it impossible to go back to the drawing board and draw a new plan for a 50-metre tank as the centrepiece?” she said.
Commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky tried to make an amendment. He asked for the footprint to be expanded and requested additional money, but it was denied.
“I am going to apologize to the people who swim at VAC,” he said. “I have looked and tried and I am sorry that I have not been able to move that.”
Commissioner Jas Virdi also asked for a temporary pool at VAC or for staff to look into the possibility, but it was denied.
During the board meeting, a 10-year-old girl who is a competitive swimmer at VAC spoke.
“I am here tonight to ask you to please think of ways to keep our 50-metre pool. I love my club and the long lanes to practice and compete in,” said Georgia Neill. “I have met many new friends there and we have a lot of fun together.”
Megan Lam, another competitive swimmer, presented a book with 300 names of children who swim at VAC.
“We swim at the VAC six times a week,” she said. “All of us depend on this 50-metre pool.”
Lo said a parent was registered to speak, but due to time constraints, did not get an opportunity.
“Despite many people registering in advance to speak, the chair made a decision to only allow those to speak who did not speak at the February meeting, but commissioners who did not attend the February meeting were permitted to participate and vote,” she said in an email. "Unbelievable. The democratic process at a Canadian low.”
At the beginning of the meeting, chair Scott Jensen said: "We will be hearing from speakers for one hour, starting with speakers who did not have a chance to express their opinions to us at the Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 meeting," adding that all requests to speak is at the discretion of the park board to hear from them.
"Once we have concluded one hour of speaking from speakers we will move on to discussion and debate. I do appreciate all those that are in attendance this evening and please note we do value your participation at our (Feb.) 24 and (Feb.) 25 meeting. We have understood and respect your opinions," said Jensen."I think that most of you would rather us deliberate this evening and come back with a decision to you this evening so that is why we are limiting the amount of speakers so that we can move forward with this deliberation tonight."
Carlie McPhee, who represented the English Bay Swim Club, said it was a rushed decision and felt she was denied the opportunity to address the new report.
"Our efforts were completely foiled with no consultation, warning or consideration for how hard the community is working to be heard,” she said.
The park board will now need to go to the City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»with the project.
Staff have also been directed to report back on the feasibility of adding a temporary pool basin to the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquatic Centre to accommodate swimmers during the renewal.
Council approval would still be required for any additional funding beyond the initial $140 million allocated toward the project in the city’s 2023-2026 capital plan. If council approves the additional funds, the project will proceed to detailed planning and design, with start of construction anticipated in late 2026.
