The Vancouver Park Board will begin reopening its indoor pools across the city in mid-September.
Throughout September and October, eight of the city’s nine indoor pools will open for community and swim club use. All indoor pools were closed in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopenings will follow a phased approach, with four pools opening in September, and four in October.
Reopen target dates
Work is underway to reopen, with a target date of September 14, for Hillcrest, Kerrisdale Britannia, and Vancouver Aquatic Centre.
Anticipated to open again October 13 are Killarney, Templeton, Lord Byng, and Renfrew.
Kensington Pool will not reopen this fall due to its size, which is too small to safely accommodate the physical distancing required for aquatic use during the pandemic.
Timelines may be adjusted slightly, depending on operational and maintenance requirements.
Reservations and drop-ins
Indoor pools will offer designated lap and public swimming sessions, as well as reserved training sessions for sport organizations.
Admission will be managed through an online reservation system and in-person drop-ins. Leisure access program passes will also be accepted.
Safety and cleaning protocols
During a buffer between swim periods, facilities will be sanitized and prepared for the next group.
The pools will reopen with reduced maximum capacities, in alignment with new protocols around physical distancing.
Lifeguards will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while on duty and will be supported by staff to conduct spot cleans on equipment, facilities, and high-touch areas.
These new safety protocols were developed specifically for indoor pool usage and are aligned with Lifesaving Society Canada guidelines. Enhanced safety protocols have also been developed in conjunction with WorkSafe BC.
What’s new for swimmers
- Wider lanes for length swimming;
- Directional signage on site and new procedures for accessing change rooms, pool deck, and pool entry and exit;
- Snorkels not permitted
- No rentals of swimming goggles, towels, or kickboards; and
- Showers, change rooms, and lockers will be available to patrons, but limits will be placed on the number of people who can access them at one time.
