Vancouver’s mayor has dipped his toes into a heated debate over Kitsilano Pool.
Concerns are mounting over a booking system put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to get into the pool, which is still being used and limiting people's access.
"Kits Pool should be open and accessible to everyone, all the time — no complicated booking system, no barriers,” said Mayor Ken Sim on X.
On July 21, Sim wrote to the park board commissioners that he is disappointed that one of Vancouver’s most cherished public amenities is being limited by a new booking system. He said the system has created "needless complexity and unnecessary barriers" for many who simply “want to enjoy the pool as they always have; freely and spontaneously.”
He asked for an urgent motion to eliminate the current advance booking system and return to drop-in public access.
“Government bodies need to be ready to adapt themselves when systems fail,” he said.
Despite overwhelming public feedback and Sim’s letter, the motion was scraped Monday night and delayed until Sept. 15. The pool will be closed by then, and any change would not happen until the 2026 season.
“Last night, the park board chose delay over action, and Vancouver residents are the ones paying the price,” said Sim.
He said residents deserve better.
"I will be actively exploring all options with city staff to eliminate the advance booking system and bring back easy, drop-in access for everyone,” he said.
Long-time Vancouver resident Jody Vance started the debate after trying to use the pool and being told it was "sold out." She called for the pool’s restrictions and online system to be lifted back in early July.
