Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim addressed concerns about the reservation system at Kits Pool during a speech at the popular outdoor facility on Monday. He criticized the ongoing swimming restrictions implemented by the Vancouver Park Board during the pandemic, calling for a change to allow more open access to the pools.
Sim emphasized the need to move past pandemic-era regulations, stating, “We can’t afford to let another summer go by with these unnecessary restrictions in place. It’s time for the park board to open the pools without reservation hassles.”
While the Park Board commissioners stand by the current reservation system, citing its popularity among visitors, some swimmers have expressed satisfaction with the option to drop in without prior booking. One swimmer mentioned, “I’ve never had any issues getting in without a reservation.”
Commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky refuted the mayor’s claim that drop-ins are prohibited, sharing his experience of easily accessing the pool without advance booking. Sim also announced a shift in strategy, opting to field park board candidates in the upcoming municipal election rather than pursuing the abolition of the park board.
The debate over the reservation system coincides with the Park Board’s submission of a $739 million capital plan for 2027-2030 to the city council.