Mayor Ken Sim drops bid to abolish Park Board, vows reform instead
ABC Vancouver will field Park Board candidates and push to eliminate swimming pool reservation requirements that residents say limit access.
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Mayor Ken Sim has reversed course on dismantling Vancouver's separately elected Park Board and will instead run a slate of candidates committed to reforming it, the party announced Monday.
ABC Vancouver will focus on building new community centres, delivering accessible public swimming pools, free swimming lessons, and affordable recreation programs under the new approach. The party previously sought to eliminate the Park Board entirely, but abandoned that plan after the B.C. government halted related legislation over First Nations concerns.
"This current Park Board is simply not working, and Vancouverites deserve better," Sim said. "That's why ABC Vancouver will be putting forward a team focused on the needs of residents, with a mandate to deliver high-quality parks and services that are both affordable and accessible."
Ahead of announcing their candidates, ABC is calling on the current Park Board to restore drop-in access to Kitsilano Outdoor Pool and other swimming pools across the city by dropping mandatory reservation requirements, time limits, and other pandemic-era restrictions that remain in effect. "Residents and families shouldn't have to compete online or plan weeks in advance just to enjoy a public pool," Sim said.
The shift comes three months before Vancouver's October 2026 civic election, when residents will also vote on a $790-million borrowing plebiscite for community centres and infrastructure.
The facts
What did Mayor Ken Sim decide about the Park Board?
Mayor Ken Sim reversed his previous plan to dismantle Vancouver's Park Board and will instead run ABC Vancouver candidates committed to reforming it. The party abandoned the elimination plan after the B.C. government halted related legislation over First Nations concerns.
What swimming pool changes is ABC Vancouver pushing for?
ABC Vancouver is calling on the current Park Board to restore drop-in access to Kitsilano Outdoor Pool and other swimming pools across Vancouver by eliminating mandatory reservation requirements, time limits, and other pandemic-era restrictions.
When is Vancouver's next civic election?
Vancouver's civic election is scheduled for October 2026, when residents will vote on municipal candidates and a $790-million borrowing plebiscite for community centres and infrastructure.
What services does ABC Vancouver plan to deliver?
ABC Vancouver will focus on building new community centres, delivering accessible public swimming pools, free swimming lessons, and affordable recreation programs.
