What Sim Is Proposing
Standing in front of Kits Pool on July 13, Sim called for the city to scrap what's left of the pandemic era booking system at public pools. Right now, swimmers need to reserve a spot online up to three days ahead, and only about a quarter of spots are set aside for people who just show up. Sim wants that flipped back to the old normal. Walk up, get in line, swim. No app, no advance planning, no time limit babysitting your schedule.
His message was simple. Families shouldn't have to compete for a slot online or plan weeks ahead just to enjoy a public pool.
Free Lessons for Kids Are Already Approved
This part isn't just a proposal. Back in May, Vancouver council unanimously passed Sim's motion to make the first three levels of swimming lessons free for residents, with priority given to kids between ages 3 and 12. Sim has talked about this one personally, saying his own family couldn't afford lessons when he was young and he doesn't want today's kids facing the same gap. The motion also ties swimming to public safety, since drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for young children in Canada.
City staff are now working with the Park Board to figure out how the program actually rolls out. Instructor capacity, pool space, and timing are all still being worked through.
Where This Sits Politically
Vancouver's parks and pools are run by the Park Board, a separately elected body, not directly by City Council. Sim and the Park Board have clashed for a couple of years now, most recently over the pool booking system itself. Just this week, Sim also announced that ABC Vancouver will no longer try to eliminate the Park Board altogether. Instead, the party plans to run its own slate of Park Board candidates in the October 2026 civic election, betting that voters will hand them the seats needed to make these changes directly.
So the walk up access piece is still just a request to the current Park Board, not a done deal.
The Debate
Supporters of scrapping the booking system say the old reservation model turns a public pool into something that feels like a private club, where you need to plan three days out just to get in the water. They point to lost capacity during reservation changeovers and argue spontaneity is part of what makes a public pool worth having in the first place.
People who want to keep some form of the booking system make a fair point too. The Park Board says timed slots create more turnover overall, meaning more people get pool time across a day. Under a pure walk up model, some people camp out for hours while others wait in an unpredictable line with no idea if they'll get in at all.
It's an active local election issue, and you'll hear plenty about it between now and October.
Guide to Vancouver's Outdoor Public Pools
Here's where you can take the family swimming this summer. All 5 of Vancouver's outdoor pools are open for the 2026 season.
Kitsilano Pool
2305 Cornwall Street, Kitsilano
Vancouver's iconic saltwater pool, heated, oceanfront, and one of the longest outdoor pools in Canada at 137 metres. Open through mid September.
Second Beach Pool
Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park
Heated, with English Bay views and shallow areas well suited to young kids. Open from the May long weekend through early September.
New Brighton Pool
North Windermere Street, East Vancouver
Heated, with harbour views and a gentle entry point for children. Open from the May long weekend through mid September.
Maple Grove Pool
6875 Yew Street, Kerrisdale
A shallow, free form wading pool that's a favourite for toddlers and young children. Open from mid June through early September.
Hillcrest Aquatic Centre (Outdoor)
Near Queen Elizabeth Park
Indoor and outdoor pool combination close to the park. Open from mid June through early September.
Right now, online reservations can still be made up to 3 days ahead through Showpass, with about a quarter of spots held for walk ups. That could change if the Park Board acts on Sim's request, so keep an eye on the news.
Curious which neighbourhood puts you closest to your favourite pool? Or thinking about a move that gets you walking distance to the water this summer? Give the TeamTJ team a call.
