Metro Vancouver pools remain open, some cities to require COVID-19 vaccine card

Editor’s note: On Dec. 22, the City of Vancouver told CityNews it would now require a proof of vaccine for pool admission. 

Unlike gyms, B.C.’s public pools haven’t been ordered to close but some Metro Vancouver cities will require proof of vaccination for swimmers when new COVID-19 restrictions kick in.

While Fitness centres in municipal facilities will need to close along with other gyms at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 22. Group fitness classes like spinning, yoga, and aerobics will also come to a halt. People will still be allowed to attend aquafit classes, swim laps, or just drop in for a dip at city-run pools.

Abbotsford, Langley Township, Maple Ridge and Richmond have all made the move to require proof of vaccination for swimming in light of ramped-up restrictions — going beyond what is required by the Provincial Health Order on vaccine cards.

Effective Thursday, December 23, proof of vaccination will be required for patrons 12yrs+ entering the City of Abbotsford swimming pools. For more information on current programs and opening hours check: https://t.co/Attav6i5la

— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) December 23, 2021

Proof of vaccination is now required for swimming pools.

Anyone participating in a City or Community Association program must show their proof of vaccination QR code for scanning, along w/ govt-issued photo ID, upon each entry: https://t.co/8Y3h72MaKw

#RichmondBC pic.twitter.com/qltrzfO8mx

— City of Richmond BC (@Richmond_BC) December 23, 2021

Vancouver, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam haven’t announced any changes at pools. Steamrooms and saunas that were reopened in September will once again be closed.

In Burnaby, no update has been provided with the parks and recreation department saying it is awaiting further guidance.

In Delta, proof of vaccination was expanded to include city pools in October after a recommendation in a report from city staff.

“Given the mixed-use of most of Delta’s recreational facilities where currently proof of vaccination is required for some activities but not all, it is recommended to apply a consistent requirement for proof of vaccination for all admissions for patrons 12 years,” that report read.

After the pandemic was declared in March oof 202, cities closed pools even though they were not explicitly ordered to. When they reopened in the summer, many city-run pools imposed capacity limits and required people to sign up for specific time slots. Those restrictions ended in September, with masks mandatory on the pool deck and in change rooms.