If you’ve ever tried booking swim time in Vancouver, you know the struggle is real. Long waitlists, limited programming, and aging facilities are part of the norm, especially for folks living south of 41st. But a new promise from ABC Vancouver candidates Jaime Stein and Ralph Kaisers could change all that. A rarity as most political parties in the past focused in and around Downtown Vancouver for the most part.
The duo has committed to building a new 50-metre pool in South Vancouver, complete with improved neighbourhood amenities like turf fields, playgrounds, and walking tracks.
“South Vancouver Deserves More”
“We’ve heard one consistent message from residents in South Vancouver – their infrastructure is not keeping up with the needs of the community,” said Jaime Stein, ABC Vancouver city council candidate. “There’s no pool on the south slope, playgrounds are old, residents have to travel to access turf fields. It’s time that changes.”
The commitment is part of a larger push by ABC Vancouver to focus on underserved neighbourhoods and catch up on long-overdue infrastructure needs.
Their plan aims to give families more options to stay active and connected without having to drive across the city.
A Real Competitive Pool, Close to Home
While Vancouver has a few indoor pools, competitive 50-metre pools are rare and currently under threat. The planned new facility at Sunset Beach Park was supposed to include a 50-metre pool. However, Park Board staff are now recommending downsizing it to just 25 metres, a move that has sparked backlash from swim clubs and community advocates alike.
ABC Vancouver’s Stein and Kaisers are pushing back on that, while also doubling down on a solution: build a new, full-sized pool in South Vancouver.
“The bottom line is, Vancouver needs a competitive sized pool – so, let’s make it a reality in South Vancouver,” said Kaisers. “We’ve spoken with thousands of residents in Vancouver. The message from families has been clear: they want more recreational facilities and outdoor spaces for walking, playing and enjoying their community.”
Moberly Park Revamp Is Already Underway
This isn’t ABC Vancouver’s first push for park upgrades in the area. They’ve already approved a bold plan for Moberly Park, which includes:
- A new turf field
- A walking track
- A modern spray park
- A new field house
The proposed 50-metre pool would build on that momentum and help transform South Vancouver into a better-serviced, family-friendly zone.
What’s Next?
The commitment is still a campaign promise for now but one that could shift the conversation on what recreational equity looks like across Vancouver’s neighbourhoods.
Residents in South Vancouver have long voiced their frustrations about being left out of the city’s big-ticket infrastructure investments. With new density and developments popping up in the area, it may be time the amenities caught up.
If this plan goes forward, South Van families could be looking at:
- A full-sized pool for lessons, laps, and community use
- Increased access for swim clubs and competitive athletes
- New outdoor spaces that make local living better year-round
And more importantly, they’d no longer have to cross bridges or book weeks in advance just to enjoy a proper swim.
