This flagship City project was announced on November 3rd, 2025 alongside the launch of the WAVE Prize, a new Swim Drink Fish-led initiative to increase public access to urban swimmable waters in British Columbia. This project will create much-needed public space and stand as a powerful example of how thoughtful investment can reclaim urban waterfronts and bring swimmable, inclusive spaces back to City life.
Construction is anticipated to begin early to mid-2027 with an expected opening in 2027.
The Harbour Swimming Deck project will be completed in several phases:
Feasibility Study |
2024 - 2025
Conduct technical feasibility study, including water quality testing and monitoring, and development of a concept.
Council Endorsement |
Fall 2025
Project endorsed by City Council.
Community Engagement: Phase 1 |
Summer 2026
Community members invited to shape how the Harbour Swimming Deck recreational area is built and run.
Refine the Design for the Harbour Deck Project |
Summer - Fall 2026
Using Phase 1 engagement, develop a refined design to support a permit application to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Community Engagement: Phase 2 |
Late 2026
Share finalized plans.
Detailed Design |
Late 2026 – Early 2027 (pending permit process)
Prepare tender and construction drawings for the swimming deck and on-land imrpovements.
Construction |
2027 (pending permit process)
Project Completion and Opening |
2027 (pending permit process)
Is the water where the swimming deck is planned suitable for swimming?
To be deemed suitable for swimming, bacteria levels in the water must be below levels set by local authorities. Starting in 2024, Swim Drink Fish spent two years water quality testing the area of the proposed swimming deck weekly from June to October 2024, and again since July 2025. The results show the proposed location has consistently met or exceeded the standards for swimming established by Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality and the Province of British Columbia’s Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. For more detailed testing results, read Swim Drink Fish’s testing report.
Consistent with other ocean swimming areas in the region, Metro Vancouver monitors recreational water quality through a collaborative sampling and laboratory analysis program focused on identifying fecal contamination. During the summer season from May to September, Metro Vancouver tests local beaches and swim areas at least once a week to ensure the water is suitable for activities like swimming.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is responsible for evaluating the results gathered by Metro Vancouver and issuing public health advisories as needed.
The City will work closely with Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health in regards to water testing at Waterfront Park to support the Harbour Swimming Deck project.
For more information on water that is suitable for swimming and what that means, visit Swim Drink Fish's website.
What kind of testing has been done?
Since July 2024, Swim Drink Fish has conducted bacterial testing to assess the day-to-day suitability of the water for swimming.
Bacterial indicators (E. coli) are the most relevant measure for swimmer health because they are more directly associated with acute illness risks to swimmers. E.coli levels were consistently below the threshold of 200 CFU/100 mL.
Testing included wet and dry weather and high and low tides, confirming stable, reliable results.
Learn more about Swim Drink Fish's water quality testing on their website.
Why Waterfront Park?
The water area directly adjacent to Waterfront Park was identified as a site for the swimming deck given the existing City water lot lease agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) that permits recreational use.
The location provides access via the SeaBus, local transit, and the Spirit Trail. The site’s existing infrastructure, including washrooms with potential for expansion and increased accessibility, is well-suited to support a swimming deck including dedicated on-land spaces to host change rooms, showers, and social areas with seating and shade. The park also offers opportunities for activities and programming like food trucks and other vendors. This south-facing location has suitable water depths, calm waters, and summer water temperatures averaging 20 degrees.
Where else have Swim Drink Fish partnered with municipalities to build swimming infrastructure in Canada?
City of Kingston, Ontario. Learn more by visiting the project webpage.
Will there be an admission cost?
Entrance to the future Harbour Swimming Deck will be free. Based on demand, multi-hour swimming sessions throughout the day may be required. These could be booked on-line with drop-in options available. The details of the operations plan for the Harbour Swimming Deck will be developed in the coming months.
What about boat traffic?
The swimming deck will include a clear buoy line marking the swimming boundaries. This will also manage boat traffic and debris. The City is working with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and adjacent neighbours to ensure all aspects of boating and swimming safety are considered.
Will the swimming deck be accessible?
Yes! Accessibility is a key priority when creating this new public space.
The swimming deck will include features such as a fully accessible ramp connecting the park to the swimming deck, various wayfinding elements, and easy-entry points for all abilities.
What are you doing to manage the anticipated increase in visitors to the area?
The swimming deck is conveniently located close to the Lonsdale Quay bus exchange and the Seabus which encourages walking and rolling. Off-street parking is available for over 600 cars within a 5-10 minute walk or roll of Waterfront Park.
Site planning in next phase of work will layout social spaces, areas for pop-up food and beverage, wayfinding, change rooms, shower areas, bike parking and queuing areas. This work will be done with an aim to creating welcoming people places and make accessing the swimming deck from various points, clear and safe while minimising conflicts.
How will the swimming deck be funded?
Led by the City of North Vancouver, the swimming deck project is made possible through a partnership with the national environmental non-profit Swim Drink Fish, supported by a generous donation from the Weston family and additional funding from the City of North Vancouver.
When will the project be complete?
At this time we anticipate the swimming deck to be opening in 2027. Timelines are subject to change pending external factors e.g. permits from external authorities, supply chain and material lead times.