Architect Studio Reveals Vision for Vancouver’s Kits Pool Renewal

This post looks at a recent unofficial concept for the future of Kitsilano Pool released by Vancouver architectural studio Eight Station. It explains the design thinking behind the proposal, the pool’s current condition and operational challenges, and what the concept could mean for the community and municipal planning as the city prepares for a long-term replacement.

Eight Station’s concept: honouring legacy while improving function

Ana Romaniv, founder of Eight Station, framed the design as an effort to retain the pool’s historic presence on the waterfront. The goal is to make the pool more accessible and functional for modern use.

The studio’s visuals keep the pool in roughly its current location. They rethink the surrounding landscape and circulation to enhance the user experience.

The concept is unofficial but purposeful. It aims to expand community gathering spaces, optimize spatial planning, and integrate landscape strategies that reduce visual barriers to the water.

This is an early-stage vision that illustrates priorities rather than a finalized construction plan.

Design priorities and community benefits

The proposals focus on improving how people move through and experience the site. They also consider how the space supports both daily use and larger community events.

Key elements aim to balance preservation of heritage with contemporary needs.

• Expanded gathering spaces — Create plazas and terraces that encourage informal meetings, sunbathing and community programming.
• New pathways — Improve pedestrian circulation to reduce congestion points and create more direct routes to the water and pool entrances.
• Potential amphitheatre — A small, flexible amphitheatre could host performances, lessons and events while doubling as seating with views to the water.
• Improved crowd flow — Reconfigured entries, queuing areas and sightlines to manage high-demand periods and special events more smoothly.
• Fewer barriers to waterfront views — Thoughtful grading and selective planting to preserve sightlines so the pool feels connected to the shoreline.
• Landscape integration — Native planting, shade strategies and contextual materials that tie the pool into Kitsilano Park’s ecosystem.

Kits Pool has a long history. It was originally built in 1931 and rebuilt in 1979.

Decades of use, persistent leaks, and aging infrastructure mean the current facility is nearing the end of its lifespan. In 2024, the pool was open for only one month after the city spent $4 million on repairs intended to extend life by two years.

Newly discovered infrastructure problems later required immediate fixes and delayed the summer opening. City leadership, including Mayor Ken Sim, has described the repeated closures and short seasons as a disappointment for residents.

The Vancouver Parks Board and the city are already developing plans for a replacement outdoor pool.

Implications for design and delivery

As the city moves from emergency repairs toward a full replacement, the Eight Station concept serves as a constructive stimulus for discussion. It shows how a replacement project could improve accessibility, increase programming capacity, and strengthen ties to the waterfront.

The planning process should align public-space goals with practical infrastructure solutions. This will help ensure that design improvements do not repeat past maintenance and leakage problems.

Practical considerations for a durable rebuild

• Waterproofing and redundancy — Install robust primary membranes. Add secondary backups to prevent leaks that affected the old pool.
• Durable materials — Use finishes and detailing that withstand salt-air conditions. Choose materials suitable for heavy public use.
• Phased construction and access — Plan temporary facilities. Maintain community access during construction seasons.
• Community engagement — Use designs like Eight Station’s as conversation starters. Shape final programming and site priorities with community input.
• Sustainability — Integrate stormwater management and energy-efficient systems. Use native landscaping to reduce lifecycle costs.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Local architect studio shares possible vision for Vancouver’s Kits Pool