People are continuing to push back against the approval of a smaller 25-metre lap pool for the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and have filed complaints.
A staff recommendation to reduce the 50-metre pool to 25 metres was approved by the Vancouver park board on March 31.
In February, staff put forward a $170-million proposal and a new design that would reduce the Olympic-sized pool while adding a leisure pool, a large hot tub and dive towers along with other aquatic and recreational amenities.
Four complaints have been filed to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner in Vancouver pertaining to the park board meeting on March 31 where the VAC renewal plan was being considered.
Glacier Media was sent copies of some of the complaints which claim there was an alleged breach of fairness, transparency, leadership and public interest, responsibility and an alleged breach of accuracy in communications.
"This matter requires urgent attention as it involves both substantial public funds and a critical public amenity that will impact Vancouver residents for decades to come,” writes Jon Girard in his complaint.
The Office of the Integrity Commissioner confirmed that four complaints were received and three have since been rejected.
"The fourth complaint is still undergoing an assessment,” said commissioner Lisa Southern.
The office was unable to offer more details about the rejected complaints.
"We can clarify that our office has limited jurisdiction under the park board code of conduct policy, which pertains only to the conduct of elected park board commissioners and of advisory committee members,” said Southern.
Girard's complaint is "under review."
More protests planned
Organizers are hoping a planned protest this weekend, set to take place at 11 a.m. on April 12 at Vancouver City Hall, will catch the attention of Vancouver city councillors.
"With the council meeting to approve the extra funds the park board needs to build even the 25m pool looming, this may be our last chance to show the extent of our opposition to the 25m pool plan,” say organizers.
A larger protest took place on April 5 at Vancouver City Hall.
Meanwhile, an online petition to keep the 50-metre pool has garnered over 15,000 signatures.
"This plan will cause irreparable harm to the children, adults, and seniors of our city,” writes an organizer.
A large group of swimmers gathered outside the Vancouver Aquatic Centre on March 29 to show their support. Canadian Dolphin Swim Club head coach Kelly Taitinger said a clinic was held in the morning and afterwards 60 swimmers held handmade posters to save the 50-metre pool.
"The swimmers are worried about losing their friends and teammates to different clubs or not being able to compete anymore,” said Taitinger.
The park board needs to go to the City of Vancouver with the project as council approval would still be required for any additional funding beyond the initial $140 million allocated toward the project in the city’s 2023-2026 capital plan.
If council approves the additional funds, the project will proceed to detailed planning and design, with the start of construction anticipated in late 2026.
