They’re making waves with ambitious pool pitches
Suspend your disbelief for a moment and imagine False Creek was safe enough to swim in.
Would you enjoy hanging five in the water next to Science World?
Whether or not it’s an idea that’s all wet, that is the latest proposal the Vancouver park board has received from entrepreneurs wanting to add to the city’s shoreline.
Given the E. coli levels in the east part of False Creek and the fact there is so much boating activity that dragon boaters and cruise operators can’t get along, a big artificial surfing pool and accompanying artificial beach is likely a long shot at best. Still, there’s no harm in trying. “I think what happens is a private company brings a large idea forward, it’s the private sector trying to create some buzz,” said Sarah Kirby-Yung, chairwoman of the park board.
“But I welcome ideas and I like to have those ideas put forward.”
The local company pitching its CitySurf idea, Reviver Sport+Enter-tainment, has in the past marketed a short, speed version of golf that targeted the Crankworx crowd.
Others have pitched a swim deck and ocean pool at Coal Harbour, and city pools that are cleaned by plants instead of chlorine.
The idea that is probably most appealing to the park board, given its recent aquatic strategy, is installing pop-up pools to add to the five outdoor pools there are currently.
“We are dramatically under-served in pools,” Kirby-Yung said.
Coal Harbour and False Creek are not exactly lacking in amenities, she noted, and three of Vancouver’s outdoor pools are on the waterfront.
On the other hand, there are neighbourhoods that are not served at all, and many existing indoor pools are probably past or nearing their best-by date.
“We live in a social democratic society and I’m a huge fan of debate and consultation,” Kirby-Yung said.
“I see the floating deck as an interesting idea, but the waterfront is the best-served area, while south and east Vancouver are under-served.
“On False Creek, there are so many users in a constrained space ... and the water quality is at a level that is not suitable for swimming.”