Ken Sim's ABC vows free kids' swim lessons, free parking, 50-metre downtown pool | Daily Hive

Ken Sim's ABC promises free kids' swim lessons, free parking, and 50-metre pool at Vancouver Aquatic Centre

Ken Sim during ABC Vancouver's press conference on Sept. 28, 2026. (ABC Vancouver)

Free introductory swimming lessons for children, an end to paid parking at several community and recreation destinations, and new swimming pools are among the ABC Vancouver party’s promises for families in the 2026 civic election.

Mayor Ken Sim’s party unveiled its “Raising Vancouver” plan yesterday, outlining proposals for child care, schools, parks, and recreation. The announcement completes its two-part platform, following the release of “Restoring Vancouver” last week.

“Families experience the pressures facing our city every day, whether it’s trying to find a swimming lesson, securing child care, accessing a community centre, or simply finding safe, well-maintained and affordable places for their kids to play,” said Sim.

“Raising Vancouver is about practical investments that make family life easier, safer and more affordable, while ensuring that City Council, Park Board and School Board work together to achieve the best possible results.”

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Under the plan, children aged three to 12 would be able to take the first three levels of the Joe Fortes Learn-to-Swim program for free.

ABC also proposes bringing swimming lessons back into the school day through cooperation with the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Park Board. The idea is to teach children water safety while making use of pools outside their busiest hours.

Children in care who are under 18 would receive free admission to pools and community centres. The party also promises to restore what it calls “open access” at Kitsilano Pool, which is a reference to the ongoing controversy over the time slot-based reservation system at the popular outdoor facility.

Abandoning the controversial 25-metre pool design to build a new 50-metre pool at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre redevelopment

Another pledge in the platform would eliminate paid parking at Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, and community centres throughout Vancouver. ABC argues removing those charges would make recreation and community programs more accessible to families.

The party is also promising two new outdoor swimming pools at the Sunset and Marpole community centres, as well as a new 50-metre lap swimming pool at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre redevelopment — instead of the current plans to build a new facility with a 25-metre lap swimming pool.

The Park Board and City have faced very strong opposition from swim clubs, organizations and other pool users who rely on the Vancouver Aquatic Centre’s existing 50-metre pool. The groups say they were blindsided when the 25-metre concept was first announced in early 2025 and were not adequately consulted. Previous Park Board long-term planning documents and supporting materials identified a 50-metre pool for any future redevelopment of this aging facility.

vancouver aquatic centre 2025 design new

2025 concept of the new Vancouver Aquatic Centre with a 25-metre pool. (Acton Ostry Architects/MJMA Architecture and Design)

2025 concept of the new Vancouver Aquatic Centre with a 25-metre pool. (Acton Ostry Architects/MJMA Architecture and Design)

However, the court rejected the bid by an advocacy group to delay the pool’s closure this past summer and, more recently, dismissed their challenge to the City’s decision to proceed with a 25-metre replacement.

There is a major shortage of 50-metre pools in Vancouver and the broader Metro Vancouver region. Now that Vancouver Aquatic Centre has closed, the only other 50-metre pool in the city is located at Hillcrest Centre.

The $175-million redevelopment depends on $103 million in borrowing approved by voters through a capital plan plebiscite question during the 2022 civic election.

Demolition of the existing aquatic centre is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with major construction expected to follow soon after. However, the City has yet to award the construction contract.

If ABC is re-elected, this project would presumably be sent back to the drawing board with a 50-metre pool for the location at Sunset Beach Park on Downtown Vancouver’s West End waterfront.

The now-closed Vancouver Aquatic Centre. (Stephanie Braconnier/Shutterstock)

As well, ABC is promising to build additional ice rinks to accommodate demand from hockey, ringette, and speed skating.

The party points to an existing $400-million City Council investment in new and upgraded community centres across Vancouver, and promises a further round of funding through the upcoming capital plan.

The broader platform also includes building the new River District Community Centre to meet the growing needs of the new high-density residential neighbourhood in southeast Vancouver, and investing in a covered pickleball facility.

Better playgrounds, restoring Stanley Park Train, and more child care

A proposed “Playground Improvement Fund” would pay for upgrades and maintenance at playgrounds, parks, boulevards, and other public spaces. ABC notes that the decisions on improvements would take into account neighbourhood needs, safety, accessibility, and the condition of existing facilities.

The party also pledges to double designated dog parks and off-leash areas, and restore the Stanley Park Train, including its seasonal themed events such as the Halloween Ghost Train and bringing back Bright Nights.

Stanley Park Train during Bright Nights, Christmas season. (Vancouver Park Board)

Child care is another focus, with ABC promising additional spaces through partnerships with the provincial government, School Board, Park Board, non-profit organizations, and private operators. The party asserts more than 2,000 child-care spaces have opened during its time in office.

To help recruit and retain early-childhood educators, ABC proposes pilot projects combining child-care facilities with affordable housing. It also promises to expand after-school programs with the school and park boards and community organizations.

On education, the party would press the provincial government for what it considers Vancouver’s fair share of school tax funding — seeking more classroom resources, educational assistants, and specialized support for students with different learning needs.

ABC also pledges to maintain the School Liaison Officer program, which it describes as a way for police officers to build relationships within schools and help address safety concerns.

To oversee the recreation commitments, ABC proposes a new committee working across City Council, the Park Board and School Board. It would meet monthly to monitor implementation, waitlists, and access to programs. The party says closer cooperation among the three elected bodies is central to carrying out the plan.

The accompanying Restoring Vancouver commitments extend to road and sidewalk repairs, faster permit processing, and changes to make City Hall more efficient.

Building a Punjabi Gate

Additionally, the party is committing to realizing the construction of a Punjabi Gate in the Sunset neighbourhood.

About two decades ago, the provincial government committed to building a Punjabi Gate on Main Street near the intersection with East 50th Avenue — near the core of Vancouver’s Punjabi Market in the Sunset neighbourhood. At the time, the $3-million project was expected to be built in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it was never fulfilled.

Such a project, creating a major public art landmark, could potentially help revitalize the struggling Punjabi Market retail district.