ABC's free swim lessons and 50-metre pool plan shake up Vancouver recreation
Ken Sim's party promises free swimming lessons for kids 3-12, paid parking elimination, and a new 50-metre lap pool at the Aquatic Centre—reversing a controversial 25-metre plan.
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Vancouver families could get free swimming lessons for kids aged 3 to 12 under a plan ABC Vancouver unveiled Monday as part of its "Raising Vancouver" platform.
The party says it would bring the first three levels of the Joe Fortes Learn-to-Swim program into schools through a partnership with Vancouver School Board and Park Board, teaching water safety and using pools during off-peak hours. Children in care under 18 would also get free admission to pools and community centres.
The promise marks a reversal on the Aquatic Centre redevelopment, which has consumed two years of community debate. ABC plans to build a 50-metre lap swimming pool at the site—the capacity swim clubs and organizations demanded—replacing the current proposal for a 25-metre facility announced in early 2025. Park Board and City faced fierce opposition from swim clubs and pool users, who said they were blindsided by the 25-metre concept and not adequately consulted. Previous Park Board long-term planning documents had identified a 50-metre pool for any future redevelopment. A court rejected an advocacy group's bid to delay the pool's closure this past summer.
ABC also plans to eliminate paid parking at Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, and community centres throughout Vancouver to make recreation more accessible to families. The party has committed to opening two new outdoor pools at both Sunset and Marpole community centres.
Mayor Ken Sim said the investments are designed to make "family life easier, safer and more affordable" while ensuring city departments work together on outcomes. "Raising Vancouver" is the second part of ABC's platform; "Restoring Vancouver" launched last week.
When would construction on the 50-metre pool begin, and what is the total cost?
How many families currently cannot access swim lessons, and what's the program's annual budget?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What swimming lessons would be free under ABC's plan?
The first three levels of the Joe Fortes Learn-to-Swim program would be free for children aged 3 to 12 through partnerships with Vancouver School Board and Park Board, taught during off-peak hours at school pools.
What size pool does ABC plan to build at the Aquatic Centre?
ABC Vancouver plans to build a 50-metre lap pool, reversing an earlier proposal for a 25-metre facility announced in early 2025.
Where would paid parking be eliminated?
Paid parking would be eliminated at Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, and community centres throughout Vancouver.
