B.C. Supreme Court Denies Bid to Keep Vancouver Aquatic Centre Open
Lucas Tremblay
6/24/20262 min read
A group fighting to keep the Vancouver Aquatic Centre open has lost its attempt to temporarily stop the facility from closing later this month.
The Protecting Our Vancouver Aquatic Centre Society, known as POVAC, had sought an interim injunction in B.C. Supreme Court to prevent the city from shutting down the centre on June 28.
The court denied that request on Tuesday, meaning the city can proceed with its plan to close the facility ahead of demolition later this year.
Group Says Larger Legal Fight Continues
POVAC managing director Jon Girard said the decision was not unexpected.
He said the group’s main concern is not only the future of the 50-metre pool, but whether the city and park board are respecting what voters approved through a municipal plebiscite.
“The primary issue isn't about a 50-metre pool,” Girard said. “The primary issue is that a democratic mandate is being, in a very underhanded way, disrespected and disregarded.”
The injunction request was part of a broader legal challenge filed earlier this year.
Dispute Centres on 2022 Plebiscite Funding
POVAC’s judicial review argues that the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Park Board are wrong to use $103 million in funds authorized by voters in the 2022 municipal plebiscite for a project that differs from what voters were told.
The group says the money was presented as funding for renewal of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, including a 50-metre Olympic-sized pool.
The dispute escalated in January 2025, when the park board released plans showing a 25-metre pool, half the length of what had been referenced in earlier city materials, including information tied to the plebiscite.
Girard said the city and park board should not be able to use voter-approved funds for a project that has changed significantly in scope.
“This is about upholding democracy,” he said.
Supporters Filled Courtroom
Last week, supporters of preserving a 50-metre pool rallied outside the Vancouver Aquatic Centre.
On Friday, more than 100 supporters attended court to hear arguments in the case, filling a large courtroom gallery originally built for the Air India trial.
Justice Christopher Giaschi has reserved his decision on the broader legal matter.
Girard said he believes the final ruling could become precedent-setting, particularly because there are few Canadian cases dealing with how municipal plebiscite materials should be interpreted.
Facility Set for Closure and Demolition
The Vancouver Aquatic Centre opened in 1974 and has served generations of swimmers, athletes and community members.
Despite the ongoing legal fight, the city is now able to move ahead with closing the facility on June 28.
Demolition is expected later this year.
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