Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The City of North Vancouver and the national non-profit Swim Drink Fish have unveiled plans for a landmark public swimming structure at Waterfront Park on Burrard Inlet—the first of its kind in British Columbia.
The proposed “harbour deck” will feature protected swimming zones, including an accessible shallow pool, 50-metre swim lanes, and diving platforms, along with lounging and seating areas designed to connect the public with the waterfront.
The $21-million project is being made possible through a $16-million donation from the Weston family to Swim Drink Fish, and an additional $5-million capital contribution from the City of North Vancouver.
The design is currently in the early conceptual stage as teams assess feasibility. The city will lead intergovernmental discussions and community engagement as part of the next design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with a public opening targeted for spring 2027.
The announcement coincides with the launch of the WAVE Prize, a new Swim Drink Fish initiative supported by the Weston family to expand public access to swimmable urban waters across the province. The program will offer prizes ranging from $3 million to $15 million to municipalities and First Nations pursuing waterfront revitalization projects.
The Waterfront Park harbour deck marks the first WAVE Prize project in British Columbia.
