One of Vancouver's most popular outdoor pools is still facing repairs needed after the damage caused by the storms at the end of 2021, meaning Kitsilano Pool won't be open for the May long weekend, or anytime soon, according to the parks board.
Cracks in the pool need to be properly sealed, and that takes time and cooperative weather.
"The weather will need to be warm (at least 10 C overnight for one week) and consistently dry for 10 to 12 days for sealant to cure in the cracks," says the parks board in a press release. "Following this, two additional weeks of closure are required to fill, treat and heat the pool for opening day."
The Parks Board has not stated whether they've started on the process as Vancouver goes through a dry streak right now.
Because Vancouver's weather determines the opening date of the pool, no firm date has been set.
Last year the pool opened late, but was open for part of the summer.
The other outdoor pools
Other public swimming pools across Vancouver do have opening dates, though.
The Second Beach and New Brighton pools will open May 20, while Maple Grove and Hillcrest open June 15.
They'll be opening at 7 a.m. each day for an hour-and-a-half of swimming laps. At 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. they'll open for 2.5-hour blocks of public swimming.
For the younger Vancouverites, spray parks are already open across the city, except at Maclean Park, which needs to be repaired. Wading pools won't be open until July 3.
Lifeguards on duty at Vancouver beaches
Meanwhile, many of the city's natural swimming areas will see lifeguards return to duty in a few days.
On May 20, lifeguards will be stationed at eight beaches.
- English Bay
- Jericho
- Kitsilano
- Locarno
- Spanish Banks East and West
- Sunset
- Second
- Third
Beachgoers are reminded to watch for the red and yellow flags marking patrolled areas. Hours will be from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to start, but will change later in the season as the sun sets earlier.
The city is also actively recruiting lifeguards for the summer city right now.
Rule changes impact what to wear at public pools
There are a few changes the city has enacted that will affect trips to pools and beaches in Vancouver.
One is the attire people are allowed to wear to public aquatic facilities. Some things that aren't allowed in public pools are jeans and swimwear that expose a person's genitalia. At the same time, anyone who wishes to go topless, can.
At some beaches will be able to drink, as part of a pilot program.
From June 1 to Sept. 4 people will be allowed to drink at these beaches between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.:
- Jericho Beach
- Spanish Banks
- Locarno Beach
- Kitsilano Beach
- Trout Lake Beach in John Hendry Park
- New Brighton Beach
While alcohol is allowed, glass bottles aren't, due to the safety risks.
Where people are allowed to launch non-motorized watercraft is changing, too. This includes people who are canoeing, kayaking, rowing, dragon boating, outrigging, paddle boarding, surf skiing, windsurfing, small craft sailing, kite surfing and boarding.
People are allowed to launch craft from the black and white quartered beach flags at Kitsilano, Spanish Banks, and Sunset beaches.
With files from Mike Howell
