Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Vancouver Aquatic Centre Closes Indefinitely After Concrete Falls Into Pool

A structural review is underway to determine the facility’s safety.

Overview

  • Staff evacuated swimmers Monday after a patron reported a splash and crews confirmed a small piece of concrete had spalled from overhead into a lane.
  • Officials reported no injuries and said the building will remain closed until engineers complete a thorough assessment with no estimate for reopening.
  • The park board says refunds are being issued to registered patrons and user groups affected by the shutdown.
  • City staff noted netting has been installed in some areas due to past incidents and acknowledged communication about this event could have been clearer.
  • The 1974 complex has a record of failures and closures, and a $175 million replacement with a smaller 25‑metre lap pool is approved as an advocacy group pursues a legal challenge favoring retrofit options.