On Monday (January 29), Vancouver park commissioners are expected to determine the long-term approach for dealing with public swimming opportunities in the city.

Staff have recommended that the board approve VanSplash: Vancouver Aquatics Strategy", which re-imagines how these services can be delivered.

It not only addresses indoor and outdoor pools, but also beaches, spray parks, and wading pools while accommodating an aging and growing population.

The strategy's goals include increasing the annual swims per capita, providing flexible and functional facilities, and increasing the connection between aquatics and nature.

This is being accomplished by moving away from a neighbourhood-scale pool system to destination-scale facilities.

Last month, however, the park board recommended a reprieve for Lord Byng and Templeton pools, which were previously slated for demolition under the strategy.

Now, the plan is to wait for the completion of large pool at Britannia before deciding the future of the Templeton pool.

In addition, the strategy calls for a new, high-level competitive pool at Connaught Park in Kitsilano. That will have to be completed before a decision is made about Lord Byng pool.

Commissioners will also vote on where to locate a new community pool in South Vancouver.

Staff have recommended two options: the Marpole Community Centre in Oak Park and the Killarney Community Centre in Killarney Park.

For residents of Southeast Vancouver, the nearest outdoor pool to Killarney is at Central Park in Burnaby. According to a staff report, it is 2.5 kilometres away and provides "limited public access".

A report last year identified the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, Kerrisdale, Britannia, Lord Byng, and Templeton as having the "highest subsidy per swim", making up only 34 percent of all visits to indoor pools.

VanSplash calls for Kerrisdale to receive a new community pool and that the Vancouver Aquatic Centre should be transformed into a "wellness-oriented" destination pool.

Hot tubs have been proposed for larger outdoor destination pools, such as those at New Brighton, Kitsilano, and Second Beach.

The plan also includes renovating Kensington Pool to enhance accessibility, which would enable adaptive and therapeutic swimming.

The strategy recommends a natural outdoor pool near the Fraser River and swimming-related improvements to Trout Lake.

However, they have been excluded from a 10-year implementation plan, which will also be put to the board on Monday.

That's because changes to Trout Lake are contingent on the completion of the Trout Lake master plan, and a new Fraser River pool depends on the acquisition of land in South Vancouver and permitting from Vancouver Coastal Health.