Monday, September 21, 2026
National not-for-profit Swim Drink Fish announced the City of Kelowna as a recipient of the WAVE Prize, which will provide funding to bring the City’s vision for a swimming structure on Okanagan Lake to life. Launched in 2025 with the support of the Weston family, the WAVE Prize aims to increase public access to urban swimmable waters in B.C.
Kelowna’s City Park swim venue will offer a one-of-a-kind waterfront experience that expands access to Okanagan Lake, supports active living, and creates new opportunities for recreation, events, and community gathering. The project will play a key role in activating Kelowna’s waterfront and creating a vibrant destination for all seasons.
“Around the world, communities are reimagining their waterfronts, transforming them into places where people don’t just look at the water, but can swim, gather, and connect,” said Gregary Ford, vice president, Swim Drink Fish. “Today we are delighted to help Kelowna re-establish a historic public swimming destination on Okanagan Lake and strengthen the community’s connection to their local waters.”
The City Park site formerly housed the Ogopogo Stadium and Pool built in 1954, which hosted national swimming, diving, and rowing events, but burned down in 1969. The new swim venue will support a wide range of uses including public swimming, community events, recreational programming, and year-round waterfront activation.
“Okanagan Lake is at the heart of our community, and this investment will create new opportunities for everyone to enjoy the waterfront for generations to come,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “For the first time in decades, this part of City Park will once again be a place where people can swim, gather and connect on the lake. We’re grateful to Swim Drink Fish and the Weston family for helping make this project possible.”
The conceptual plan calls for eight 50-metre swim lanes, protected swimming areas, sun decks, shade areas, capacity for water polo and recreational programming, a multi-height jumping platform, accessible gangways, changerooms, outdoor showers, and a Nordic cold-plunge area with the potential for year-round use. Access to the swim venue will be free to the public.
Kelowna’s growing population has increased demand for waterfront recreation beyond the capacity of existing facilities. Expanding access to swimming infrastructure will provide opportunities for residents to connect with the lake, while promoting active lifestyles, fostering environmental stewardship, and supporting social inclusion.
The swim venue is being made possible through a $12.9 million donation to Swim Drink Fish from the Weston family, with an additional $5.1 million in capital funding from the City of Kelowna. The City will be responsible for the design, build, and operations of the deck, including programming, security, and ongoing maintenance.
Currently in the final stages of design, the swim venue is expected to begin construction in late 2026 with a projected opening in 2027.
The WAVE Prize (Waterfront Access, Vitality, and Engagement) is a transformative initiative that aims to improve urban waterfront areas and strengthen the well-being of local communities. Made possible by the generous support of the Weston family, the WAVE Prize is providing grants of $3 to 15 million each to recipient local governments and First Nations across B.C. to help build natural water swimming structures.
Swim Drink Fish previously announced funding for the City of North Vancouver’s Harbour Swimming Deck and was instrumental in bringing the Gord Edgar Downie Pier in Kingston, Ontario, to fruition. The organization will be announcing further WAVE Prize recipients in the months ahead.
Featured image: (Swim Drink Fish)
