Today, the City of North Vancouver and national charitable organization, Swim Drink Fish, unveiled plans for an innovative harbour swimming deck in Burrard Inlet. This flagship project announcement also kicks off the launch of the WAVE Prize – a new Swim Drink Fish-led initiative to increase public access to urban swimmable waters in B.C.
“We are beyond thrilled to announce this first-of-its-kind project in B.C. that will transform our oceanfront into a vibrant destination for active living, connection, and joy, in a way that has never been done before on our shores," said City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan. "The addition of the City’s first outdoor seawater swimming amenity exemplifies Council’s commitment to building a more vibrant community while proudly celebrating our connection to the marine environment. It marks an exciting step toward becoming the Healthiest Small City in the World.”
The City of North Vancouver’s swimming structure will be located in Burrard Inlet off Waterfront Park. A fully accessible ramp will connect the swim deck to the park, and the conceptual plan for the deck calls for generous, protected swimming areas, an accessible shallow pool, 50-metre swim lanes, diving platforms, and lounging and seating areas throughout
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 seeks to provide up to five grants of $3-15 million each to local governments and First Nations in B.C. to help build natural water swimming structures.
“Communities have worked for decades to clean up their waters,” said Mark Mattson, President, Swim Drink Fish. “As a result, there is a generational opportunity to reimagine urban waterfronts and create places where people can swim, connect, and celebrate clean water. Today, with the support of the Weston family, we’re proud to partner with the City of North Vancouver in announcing this flagship harbour deck project, and to launch the WAVE Prize across B.C.”
The signature harbour deck project is being made possible through a $16 million donation to Swim Drink Fish from the Weston family, with an additional $5 million in capital funding from the City of North Vancouver. The City will be responsible for the design, build and operations of the deck, including lifeguarding, security, and ongoing maintenance.
Following consultation with intergovernmental partners, community engagement with the public, procurement and the permitting process with Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, construction is expected to begin next spring with a projected opening in 2027.
Today’s announcement is part of a broader global movement to reclaim urban waterways. Projects in Copenhagen, Oslo, Paris, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Kingston, Ontario have demonstrated how swimming structures can promote active lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
Swim Drink Fish is inviting local governments and First Nations from across B.C. to submit applications for WAVE Prize funding. The organization is looking for a diverse range of projects, from small scale impactful initiatives to larger infrastructure projects. Submissions will be accepted until January 9, 2026. For more information and to apply visit swimdrinkfish.ca/waveprize
Background footage, images and renderings are available for media use at swimdrinkfish.ca/northvan and cnv.org/HarbourDeck.
About the Project Partners & Donor
The City of North Vancouver is a compact, yet mighty municipal leader recently named by the Globe and Mail as Canada’s most liveable city, in part thanks to award-winning public spaces. The proposed harbour deck project helps realize the City’s ongoing commitment to deliver capital investments that enhance livability and accessibility, and Council’s vision to be the “healthiest small city in the world”. Please visit: www.cnv.org to learn more.
Swim Drink Fish is a national charity working for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future since its launch in 2001. By blending science, law, education, and storytelling with technology, Swim Drink Fish empowers millions of people to know and safeguard their waters.
The Weston family has a longstanding history of and passion for supporting city-building initiatives and natural space revitalization efforts, including many innovative and sustainable park and conservation projects. From parks and gardens to clean and accessible water fronts, the family holds a strong belief in the important role that natural civic spaces play in shaping stronger, more vibrant communities across Canada.