Vancouver aquatic centre and ice rink redevelopment delayed until 2030s

Plans for Britannia Community Centre and Pool Delayed Until 2030s

Big changes are planned for the Britannia Community Centre and Pool. However, residents should not expect construction to start until the 2030s at the earliest.

An internal memo sent last fall to Vancouver Park Board commissioners states that City of Vancouver and Park Board staff are in the early planning stage for a full replacement of the Britannia facilities.

Project Planning and Timeline

The project is on an 18-acre site near the north end of the Commercial Drive retail corridor in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood of East Vancouver. Planning has stalled for years since the Vision Vancouver-led City Council approved the master plan for new community and recreational facilities in 2018. At that time, the plan was to start rezoning in 2019 and detailed design in 2020, with construction expected to take 10 to 20 years.

According to the memo, City staff are now working on a rough plan. This includes what the new complex might include, how long it could take to design, and updated preliminary construction cost estimates.

Funding and Approval Process

Funding for the new preliminary design work will be requested in the City’s upcoming 2027-2030 capital budget. This budget is expected to be finalized this year by City Council. If approved, funding for actual construction would not be sought until the 2031-2034 capital plan, pending agreement from both Park Board and City Council.

The memo indicates that this timeline reflects the Park Board’s current priorities. Britannia Pool is identified as the next major aquatic redevelopment opportunity after the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Kitsilano Outdoor Pool.

Current Construction Plans

Construction on the $175-million new Vancouver Aquatic Centre is expected to begin in late 2026. The October 2026 civic election ballot may include a question about borrowing money for a new Kitsilano Outdoor Pool, with construction possibly starting toward the end of this decade. Both facilities are in poor condition.

Preliminary Features for the New Complex

While designs for the Britannia site are still in early stages, Park Board staff outlined a preliminary list of features being considered. These include a swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms, administrative space, skateboarding amenities, and potentially on-site childcare, depending on funding.

Community Engagement and Updates

City staff met with the executive director of the Britannia Community Services Society in May 2025. They presented the overall timeline, proposed scope, and draft terms of reference for a future community advisory committee. City staff committed to updating the society at key project milestones, with the next major update expected once the 2027-2030 capital plan funding request is finalized.

Maintenance and Repairs

Even as long-term planning continues, the municipal government is investing in maintaining Britannia’s existing facilities. The memo notes that $17.5 million in capital maintenance funding has been set aside for 2025 and 2026. This work includes replacing the ice rink slab, upgrading digital control systems, repainting buildings, and major repairs to mechanical and electrical systems.

The ice rink has been closed since March 2024 due to a brine leak and other issues. Repairs are not expected to be completed until February 2026.

Future of the Ice Arena

In 2025, there was speculation that a future Britannia redevelopment could include a new ice arena suitable for the Vancouver Canucks’ practice rink. The team toured the site last year and stated that a potential facility would be within a 30-minute drive of downtown Vancouver.

Master Plan Overview

The Britannia site includes the Britannia Community Centre, Britannia Pool, and Britannia Rink, as well as Britannia Secondary School, Britannia Elementary School, and the Vancouver Public Library’s Britannia branch.

The master plan approved in 2018 estimated construction costs up to $490 million. This includes $280 million for new community and recreational facilities, $25 million for childcare facilities, $130 million for affordable housing, and $55 million for parks and public spaces.

Phased Development Approach

The first phase of the master plan includes a new aquatic centre, gymnasium, and fitness spaces. The aquatic centre would feature a 25-metre pool with eight lanes, a leisure pool, and a hydrotherapy pool. The second phase includes a new ice rink, and the third phase includes a new library and cultural spaces.

Under the master plan, non-market housing units will also be built over community and recreational uses. Childcare facilities will be incorporated into the rooftops of two buildings.

Extensive work and public consultation went into creating the master plan, designed by Urban Architects, Diamond Schmitt Architects, Space2Place, EPI, and Integral Group.