Since Kitsilano Outdoor Pool opened earlier this summer, things haven’t necessarily been going swimmingly for fans of the iconic Vancouver cool-off spot.
In late June, Daily Hive Urbanized published a story on how some folks were upset by the “gated” experience thanks to the online reservation system.
Since that story, tensions have been continuing to bubble between some poolgoers and the Vancouver Park Board. People have also shared videos of long lineups at the pool. We’ve heard from some who believe the Park Board is turning a swimming pool into a needlessly complicated issue.
Are there too many cooks in this wet kitchen?
We turned to Dylan Myers, associate director of recreation services for the Park Board, for some answers.
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On Sunday, Jody Vance, a local media personality and someone whom we spoke to as part of our June story on Kits Pool, shared a video of the pool during a time when it was reportedly sold out.
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She’s not the only one worked up about it, as many other Vancouver residents are losing their swim-pathy. In response to that video, many agreed with the concerns about the pool looking empty. Others said they’ve experienced long waits at Second Beach Pool, too, which also has a reservation system in place.
Naturally, we had questions for Myers about what capacity means for Kits Pool. Myers said that current capacity levels are based on guaranteed lifeguards or what the Park Board can deliver in terms of a service level.
Capacity levels:
- 9 a.m. ā 180
- Noon ā 300
- 3 p.m. ā 300
- 6 p.m. ā 180
Myers said those numbers are based on swimmer-to-lifeguard ratios of 1:60. Before the change from the BC Health Act and Lifesaving Society revisions, the ratio was 1:100.
We asked Myers what he made of the video shared yesterday that showed very few people in the pool at a time when the reservation system said Kits Pool was sold out.
“Say you’ve got your reservation system and 9 a.m. is a 180 capacity limit, some people may just come for thirty minutes, some may come for an hour. If they leave the facility, anyone who would be in the drop-in, which we hold, would be allowed in at that time.”
He said that if there were no one waiting for one of those slots, then there would likely appear to be fewer people swimming. Myers added anecdotally, as far as he’s aware, no one has been turned away this season, whether they were waiting in line or had a reservation. We’ve heard different from others, including Vance.
Some have also raised concerns about the pool cleaning schedule. Myers said there are a few reasons why the pool cleaning closures take place and why the length of the closures is as long as it is (30 minutes).
Aside from janitorial cleaning and things like chlorine testing, some of it is for folks with accessibility issues, “allowing them a safe amount of time to be able to access on their own means and to allow for them to exit the facility before we open it up for people coming in.”
“So, there are numerous factors on top of just the janitorial and cleaning the changing rooms, making sure the area is safe, accessible, all of those things,” he added.
Understanding the origin of the Kits Pool access changes
Kitsilano Pool refilled on July 28, 2024, following interim repairs. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
A public memo provides some reasoning for the Park Board’s decision to change how access works at Kits Pool.
One of the Park Board’s concerns was that early arrivals stayed for long periods, which it says led to “limiting access for others throughout the day.”
Myers mentioned something that some folks have complained about: long lineups. The memo says that long outdoor lineups “during high temperatures resulted in heat-related first aid incidents and safety risks for patrons.”
The push to protect folks waiting in line only impacts outdoor pools.
Arguably, the reservation system was supposed to limit these lineups. However, in recent weeks, videos have been shared on social media showing long lineups.
“We do believe there remains enough flexibility in the system for individuals who prefer the drop-in approach. In 2024, only two days saw 100% reservation bookings across all sessions. Typically, it takes a day or two for the most popular time slots (noon and 3 p.m.) to sell out, with the exception being in cases of known hot weather forecasts,” the memo states.
Earlier today on X, Park Board Commissioner Tom Digby said that the board is paying attention to the issues.
Thanks for your attention to this @jodyvance! @ParkBoard Commissioners are paying close attention too. These are busy days at Kits Pool. Current plan means almost zero lineups to get in if you book ahead. Or try walk up if you like to stand in line š !
ā Tom Digby ēå¼¼ (@ThomasDigby1) July 14, 2025
We couldn’t help but wonder if the Park Board had any changes planned in response to all of the concerns being raised by the public on social media. Myers told Daily Hive Urbanized he wasn’t sure because he isn’t privy to those discussions. However, he said that they’re continually looking to adapt and improve where it’s feasible.
Myers said he’s heard from people who like the system, but he respects the fact that it might not work for everyone.
“A lot of this was based on just equitability, being able to come to the pool and make sure that more people can enjoy it.”
In our June story, we also spoke to George Affleck, another local media personality, but someone with some expertise in council matters, as he is a former councillor.
“Maybe have reservations during long weekends or heat waves, but the default should be: show up and swim. It shouldn’t feel like booking a concert ticket,” he said.
There’s still tons of summer left, and this swimming saga is nowhere near its end. What has your Vancouver swimming experience been like this summer?