Vancouver's iconic Kitsilano Pool is back in action.
After months of sitting dry while repairs took place, the pool officially reopens Wednesday, with spots open as early as 7 a.m. (at the time of publishing, space is filling fast).
The pool underwent months of repairs after months of waiting for equipment to arrive. The aging system suffered from leaks and cracks.
Earlier this season (in June), it was announced it wouldn't open at all in 2024, after it had been announced (in April) it would open normally. Then it was announced (in July) it would open.
"We never gave up," said Mayor Ken Sim. "We wanted to save the summer."
City staff told media at end of July that the delay was because equipment they had ordered took six months to manufacture and deliver; they had ordered it at the end of 2023, and it only arrived recently.
"When the pool was closed, (the city) said, 'Can you start the repairs now?' and we said, 'Sure, we can start the repairs, we just have to wait for the plumbing equipment to show up,'" the city's capital maintenance manager, Matthew Pel, said.
The pool was filled before the beginning of August and staff have been prepping the facility for opening day Aug. 7.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross
