VANCOUVER – As promised by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, the reopening of the problem-plagued Kitsilano Pool occurred yesterday (Aug. 7).
Vancouverites will be able to enjoy the iconic pool for an extended season until Sept. 22, reads a release.
The pool has had its share of leaks and is more than 50 years old. It is nearing its end-of life phase with “many failing and deteriorating components, including the membrane, expansion joints and the concrete structure, which has added complexity to maintenance, repair and preparation to open this summer,” reads a previous statement from the city in July.
The pool also sustained major storm damage from the King Storm event in 2022, where a king tide and intense storm activity combined to cause flooding along the Vancouver seawall and in downtown Squamish, B.C.
According to the city, the reopening was made possible through the City of Vancouver, Kitsilano Pool operations team, Scott Construction and Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS).
“This truly was an all-hands-on-deck effort,” said Sim in a statement. “Our city staff, construction teams, Kits Pool operations team, VFRS, and community partners all came together to make this happen. It’s because of their dedication and hard work that we could welcome everyone back to Kits Pool for an extended summer 2024 season.”
VFRS played a crucial role in the early reopening by utilizing their hydraulic-driven portable submersible floating pump to supplement the filling of Kits Pool in under 24 hours. It’s a task that typically takes up to five days.
Overall the repairs were made to extend the pool’s lifespan by approximately two years while plans for a new facility are developed.
In June, Sim and coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung passed a motion to pave the way for a modernized replacement for Kits Pool. Innovative funding methods, such as a dedicated fund for donations and corporate sponsorships, are being explored to make this crucial project a reality, the release continues.
“Our goal is to ensure that Kits Pool remains a cherished community asset while we work towards a new, state-of-the-art facility,” added Sim.
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