Vancouver’s outdoor pools are making a bigger splash than ever

Adrienne Tanner

Special to The Globe and Mail 
16 August 2019

With Vancouver’s beaches periodically out of commission for swimming, our city’s pools are rendered even more precious. There is nothing more divine than a swim at one of our three full-sized outdoor pools on a smoking hot day.

Consider the marvel that is Kitsilano Pool. At 137 metres, it is Canada’s longest, filled with saltwater and heated for comfort. For old-school lap swimmers like me, it takes only 13.5 seemingly endless lengths to go a mile and once you are done, you can lounge on the pool deck with a book and a view of the North Shore Mountains and ships on English Bay.

There are two others as well, Second Beach Pool at Stanley Park and my neighbourhood outdoor pool, New Brighton, which I almost hesitate to mention lest it grow even more crowded. At any of these pools, look up, and you might see an eagle being chased by crows.

When school is out, multigenerational families flock to outdoor pools with sunshades, lawn chairs and picnic coolers in tow. Myriad languages are spoken, but the universal pool language is the delighted squeal of children splashing in the water. It really doesn’t get any better and this is why the Vancouver Park Board is planning to build another full-size outdoor pool at South Vancouver’s Marpole Community Centre.

Park Board chair Stuart Mackinnon says the decision bucks a past trend to close outdoor pools, which are costly to build and typically only open about 100 days of the year. Between 1993 and 2009, four outdoor pools – Hastings, Oak, Sunset and Mount Pleasant – reached the end of their lifespans and were shuttered.

Even when situated beside a community centre where change-room facilities can be shared, an outdoor pool still costs between $6-million and $9-million to build, Mr. Mackinnon says. Indoor pools cost far more – approximately $20-million – but are open all year, so the subsidy for each swim is typically lower.

Mr. Mackinnon says the park board’s decision to build a new outdoor pool was not based on dollars and cents. Surveys show Vancouverites miss their outdoor pools, he says. “This reflects the views of the public.” If, as expected, summer temperatures start to last longer as a result of climate change, the outdoor pools will stay open longer too, he adds. The outdoor pools used to shut down on Labour Day, but in recent years closing dates have been extended.

Whether they are indoor or outdoor, people grow attached to swimming pools, which have different vibes and personalities. When it comes to indoor pools, the park board tries to build facilities that will attract the greatest number of swimmers and phase out those that are old and not well used.

Plans were being discussed to open popular large destination pools at Britannia Community Centre and Connaught Park, which would allow the park board to close aging pools at Lord Byng and Templeton. The closures were halted after a community outcry, but if attendance slumps once the larger pools are built, they likely won’t survive.

From a financial point of view, this makes perfect sense. But it will only work well for swimmers if the park board can build fast enough to keep up with increases in population and demand.

Hillcrest, Vancouver’s star destination pool attraction, is a wonderful bright new facility and, no doubt, people love it. The pool drew swimmers away from some of the drearier facilities, such as the Aquatic Centre, and consequently felt overcrowded the moment it opened.

As much as I loved the idea of early morning swims in Hillcrest’s 50-metre pool, I found myself mowed down by droves of other early-bird swimmers. So, after a few tries I migrated back to a small community pool close to home where I felt comfortable.

Swimming is a fabulous, low-impact form of exercise. Canada’s demographic is aging and as it does, pools will become even more popular. As the park board moves forward, it must continue to balance the need for fiscal prudence with user satisfaction.

Opting to build an outdoor pool at Marpole is a case where citizen demand should trump cost. But to my mind, the jury is out on Lord Byng and Templeton. If the community wants those pools saved, there’s only one way to do it. Swim.

(c) 2019 Globe & Mail 

City updates procurement policy to promote protection of animals

City suppliers and sub-contractors to operate within recognized animal welfare best practices

 

 

 

August 8 2019 – 

 

Following updates to our procurement policies that went into effect August 1, we will be working with suppliers who meet best practice levels for animal welfare.

This commitment is the result of a City Council motion that was approved in May to support higher animal welfare standards through updated procurement and supplier code of conduct policies.

"Incorporating animal welfare into our policies aligns with Vancouver being a world class leader in procurement practices as well as demonstrating the City's commitment to healthy cities/communities and healthy ecosystems," said Patrice Impey, General Manager of Finance, Risk and Supply Chain Management. "These updates also align with the Greenest City Action Plan, Environmental Framework for Municipal Operations, and Social Planning food strategies."

Five freedoms

Following a review of similar policies in other jurisdictions, and direct consultation on scope and wording with the BC SPCA, Vancouver is one of the first cities in Canada to update its Ethical Procurement Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure its suppliers and their sub-contractors operate within recognized animal welfare best practices, such as the five freedoms, which are:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
3. Freedom from distress
4. Freedom from discomfort
5. Freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being

"We would like to acknowledge the City of Vancouver for taking this extremely progressive step to recognize the importance of animal welfare in their procurement of services or goods," said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. "We hope that other municipalities will take note of Vancouver's leadership in this area and incorporate their own procurement policies that consider animal welfare.

What the updated policies apply to

The updated policies apply to all of our procurements and can be referenced when animal products or services are purchased to ensure the humane treatment and welfare of animals under human control, including their basic necessities, are maintained through the production and supply chain.

These changes are per Council direction from the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities resolutions dated May 15, 2019.

Keep our parks safe: Public asked to respect BBQ restrictions and park smoking ban

August 2 2019 

 

 Vancouver parks and beaches are busier than ever at this time of the year so the Vancouver Park Board is reminding visitors to respect barbecue restrictions and park smoking ban.

Barbeque restrictions

On the day of Celebration of Light (one more on August 3) no barbecues are allowed between the Park Board head office at the entrance of Stanley Park to just south of the Inukshuk in English Bay Beach, whether it is on grass or the beach.

Barbecues are permitted elsewhere in Stanley and English Bay and other parks, but must be 75 cm (29.5 inches) off the ground.

All beaches and parks are smoke-free 365 days a year

The Park Board’s primary goal is voluntary compliance through education with fines issued when necessary. Smoking is subject to a $250 fine and Park Rangers will be enforcing this bylaw.

Since early May we have responded to 28 fires in Stanley Park alone, the largest one covering an area approximately 50 meters by 50 meters. This fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.

Rangers rely on the public to be our eyes on the ground and report any fires or smoke. Discarded cigarettes and open flame are still the biggest issues we encounter. To date, 15 tickets and 250 warnings have been issued to people breaking the smoking bylaw. In addition, the Vancouver Police Department has issued tickets with a $575 fine to people for dropping or releasing a burning substance under BC’s New Wildfire Act .

The fire risk is currently low-moderate and is posted on fire hazard signs in heavily wooded areas—Stanley, Jericho Beach, and Everett Crowley parks, as well as at some concessions.

Park rangers on patrol

Extra rangers are being deployed during the fireworks and they work closely with our colleagues at Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and VPD to ensure that everyone plays by the rules and has a safe, enjoyable experience.

Uniformed rangers act as the Park Board's ambassadors in more than 240 city parks and are responsible for bylaw enforcement, monitoring play fields, finding missing persons, first aid, fire patrol, as well as work with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, Vancouver Police Department and BC Ambulance Service.

The rangers also respond to homeless issues and connect those in need to appropriate services.
The public is asked to phone 3-1-1 if they require a Park Ranger’s assistance.

VanSplash strategy advisory group report: “Vancouver needs more pools”

Vancouver Park Board

News Release
July 31, 2019 

At a special Vancouver Park Board meeting last night, Commissioners received a feedback report on the draft VanSplash Aquatic Strategy outlining a vision for the future of aquatics in Vancouver. 

The report was produced by the VanSplash Advisory Group, which was appointed by the Board in late 2018 in order to review the draft VanSplash strategy and provide comments and insights to inform a revised draft strategy.

During the initial VanSplash engagement process in 2017 and 2018, staff heard from more than 7,000 residents at open houses, meetings, and through surveys. The advisory group was assembled to provide an enhanced, city-wide perspective on the diverse range of aquatic facilities and services.

The advisory group is made up of 19 individuals who responded to a call for applications. An independent facilitation consultant short-listed the applicants and the Board appointed members. The advisory group represents a wide range of backgrounds and interests in aquatics, and members are from every corner of Vancouver. The group met nine times over six months, facilitated by the neutral third-party facilitator.

“The Board was pleased to hear the comments and recommendations of the advisory group,” said Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon. “Their passion for aquatics is evident and we look forward to a well-informed revised draft VanSplash strategy later this fall. On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank every member of the advisory group for their time and valuable perspective.”

                                   

The findings of the advisory group will be used to refine the final draft VanSplash Aquatic Strategy that will be presented at a public meeting to the Board this fall for their consideration and decision.

The revised draft VanSplash Aquatic Strategy will set the foundation for renewal and capital investment of the city’s pools, beaches and spray parks over the next 10 years. The vision for the draft VanSplash is to deliver a wide range of aquatic experiences for residents and visitors that support Vancouver as a highly-livable, world-class coastal city.

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VanSplash Advisory Group:

 

• The VanSplash Advisory Group was comprised of 19 Vancouver residents, each with a unique connection to aquatics

• ·Interested residents responded to a call for volunteers in November 2018

• · 256 people applied and an independent facilitation consultant short-listed the applicants to ensure a diverse range of interests, perspectives, backgrounds and locations within the city.

• · The Board appointed 20 members to the advisory group

• · The group met nine times over six months

• · Members included aquatic sport coaches, parents of children in swim lessons, people living with disabilities, aquatics advocates, former competitive athletes, recreational aquatics users, ocean swimmers, and a range of other perspectives and group affiliations.

Aquatics by the numbers:

• · The Park Board manages nine indoor pools, five outdoor pools,and 11 swimming beaches, and care for 17 wading pools, 15 spray parks, and one fresh water lake.

• · The nine indoor pools had 2.4 million visits in 2015, while outdoor pools Kitsilano, Second Beach and New Brighton had about 450,000 visits in total last year.

• · Eleven beaches and one lake provide supervised swimming to approximately five million visitors each year.

• · Kitsilano is the largest saltwater pool in North America with 137 metres of seaside swimming.

• · The newest aquatic facility in Vancouver is Hillcrest Centre which opened in 2010.

• · In the last decade, Killarney and Renfrew pools were renovated and spray parks installed at Norquay, Prince Edward, Pandora, Carnarvon and Riley parks. 

• · Six indoor pools are between 40-60 years old (Templeton, Kerrisdale, Lord Byng, Brittania, Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Kensington).

More information:  

https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vansplash-aquatics-strategy.aspx

Media contact:

Vancouver Park Board

pb.communications@vancouver.ca