Why a judge dismissed the challenge to Vancouver Aquatic Centre’s 25-metre-pool redevelopment

The Supreme Court of British Columbia has dismissed a judicial-review petition challenging Vancouver’s plan to replace the Vancouver Aquatic Centre’s 50-metre lap pool with a 25-metre pool as part of a full redevelopment. The petition was brought by Protecting Our Vancouver Aquatic Centre Society and its director, swimmer Jonathan Girard, who argued that $103 million in voter-approved borrowing could only fund a replacement with a 50-metre pool.

Justice Christopher Giaschi announced the dismissal orally last week and released detailed written reasons on Sept. 23, 2026. He found that the 2022 ballot question authorized borrowing to replace, renew or rehabilitate the Vancouver Aquatic Centre without specifying a pool length or amenities. The $103 million was part of a broader $162-million community-facilities borrowing question supported by 68.4 per cent of voters. Giaschi ruled it was reasonable for the City and Vancouver Park Board to conclude that a new facility with a 25-metre pool fell within that authorization.

The judge said earlier capital-plan and voter-information references to a 50-metre pool reflected the municipal government’s intentions at the time, rather than a condition added to the ballot question. He rejected the claim that the City and Park Board had deliberately misled voters, finding that both had expected to include a 50-metre pool until feasibility constraints emerged during more detailed design work in 2024. He also said the court’s role was to assess whether the bodies acted within their legal authority, not whether Metro Vancouver needs a 50-metre pool or whether the shorter-pool project is good value for public money.

Park Board staff concluded that a 50-metre pool could not fit within the existing footprint alongside other aquatic amenities while meeting current accessibility and pool-design standards. A larger waterfront building would face constraints involving the Burrard Street Bridge, Beach Avenue, the shoreline, sea-level-rise considerations, land ownership and uncertain geotechnical conditions, while adding cost and potentially delaying the project. The Park Board approved the 25-metre option in March 2025, and Vancouver City Council approved an additional $35 million in June 2025, raising the project budget to $175 million.

The planned facility includes a 25-metre lap pool, diving pool, leisure pool, hot pool, steam and sauna rooms, a fitness gym and multipurpose space. Advocates for a 50-metre pool say the change would harm clubs and swimmers that use the longer pool for training and recreation. Hillcrest Aquatic Centre is the only 50-metre alternative in Vancouver, and Park Board staff have said some programs not requiring a long-course pool could move elsewhere to make temporary room for displaced groups.

The aquatic centre, which opened in 1974 at Sunset Beach Park, permanently closed in late June 2026 ahead of demolition. After the written ruling, the society said it would appeal. Demolition was scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2026, following the City’s July award of a $3.5-million demolition contract to Heatherbrae Builders.