Victory For a Swimmable Vancouver

Words matter, but action speaks volumes.

The City of Vancouver set a big standard for cities alike around the world on July 20th. City Council unanimously voted to approve a motion, For a Swimmable Vancouver. 

This motion, tabled by City Councillor Michael Wiebe,  highlights the role swimmable water plays at the intersection of the economy, environment and social justice, benefits to mental and physical health, impacts of the climate crisis on our waterways, previously approved city initiatives to improve the health of local waters, and the creation of a new Learn to Swim program.

All of these current objectives and tasks help define what it means for a city to truly be swimmable. Vancouver continues to demonstrate leadership in listening to communities and organizations working on the watersheds under their representation. 

In June of 2022, Swim Drink Fish released three reports detailing our findings from 2021 Water Monitoring. These reports told the tale of three cities in different stages of establishing truly swimmable waters. In Kingston, they’re leading the way by reconnecting communities to the water’s edge through transparency, sewage reporting and infrastructure. Vancouver continues to progress in recognizing its duty to protect a world-class waterfront. In Toronto, leadership is needed politically, and looking west at Vancouver would be helpful in seeing what it takes to listen and learn from the communities working on the frontlines of creating swimmable waters. 

In the Swim Drink Fish Vancouver 2021 Water Monitoring report, six recommendations were laid out to better serve its community of water-users. This motion, For a Swimmable Vancouver, is a start in addressing these recommendations.

For a Swimmable Vancouver follows in line with other initiatives happening in the Greater Vancouver Area, such as the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades, Healthy Waters Plan, Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan and Sea2City Design Challenge. 

Why this motion differs is because it represents something simple: the act of getting into the water. At its core, swimmable water represents a healthy, vibrant city. If we can’t swim in the water, we can’t drink from it, or fish from it. 

Swimmable water is for everyone. It’s a necessary reprieve from extreme weather events such as the 2021 Heat Dome, while also a form of gathering and bringing the community together. It provides immense mental health benefits for residents and visitors alike. Moving this motion forward shows the people of Vancouver, and the world, that Vancouver is continuing to address the climate crisis and the impact it has at the intersection of the economy, environment and social fabric of our society.

This is a monumental step, for Canada and the rest of the world, as Vancouver is the first major metropolis to use swimmable with such political reverence. It matters because now a global city is on record that it will prioritize swimmable water, which subsequently leads to protection and restoration. This gives our community of passionate water lovers the opportunity to hold those in power accountable for these words. 

Now, taking the next steps are even more important as we work together to provide the action: creating swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for everyone.