Vancouver’s Kits Pool could reopen this summer: park board

Despite “significant damage” sustained during a major storm in January, the Vancouver Park Board says Kits Pool may re-open this summer after all.

In April, the park board said there was a possibility the recreational staple along English Bay wouldn’t be able to open this year because of all the work that had to be done.

High winds have picked up in Vancouver and the waves are now so high they are filling a frozen Kits Beach pool (forgive the shaky filming, the wind strong/chilly) pic.twitter.com/nQ3L2RF5Q1

— Claire Fenton (@Ceeceefenton) January 7, 2022

However, in an update Monday, the city says the park board has a “plan in place to reopen” the outdoor pool just in time for the August long weekend. That, however, will depend on the weather.

“If all goes to plan, Kits Pool will reopen from Saturday, July 30 to Monday, September 5, and long-term assessments and repairs will be undertaken in the off-season,” the update on the city’s website reads.

Related article: Kitsilano Pool may not open this summer: Vancouver Park Board

Previously, the park board said the pool needed to be inspected to determine what repair work would be required. That could only be done if the pool was drained – something that couldn’t happen until a certain time because of tides and groundwater levels.

A preliminary inspection had unveiled major cracks in the deck floor, as well as other areas where deck panels had lifted. Chambers that are used to help fill the pool with water were also damaged, Peter Fox, manager of Recreation Services, said in the April update.

Kitsilano Pool sustained major damage during a storm in January. The Vancouver Park Board says it may not reopen this summer due to repair work. (Courtesy Vancouver Park Board)

After what it calls an “extensive assessment,” the city says “staff have confirmed the pool’s structural integrity has not been compromised,” and that it can be “safely refilled” after cracks in the surface are sealed.

But that’s where the weather comes in.

The city notes for the sealant to cure properly, the weather will need to be consistently dry for one week. If that goes to plan, crews will then need another two weeks to fill the pool with water and prepare it for the public.