Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC Vancouver party has released a “Raising Vancouver” platform for the 2026 civic election outlining new family and recreation proposals.
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Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC Vancouver party has unveiled its “Raising Vancouver” plan for the 2026 civic election, describing proposals aimed at families across child care, schools, parks, and recreation.
The party said the plan extends its earlier “Restoring Vancouver” commitments, which it released last week, as part of a two-part platform it says is focused on making family life easier, safer, and more affordable.
In recreation, ABC proposes that children aged three to 12 be able to take the first three levels of the Joe Fortes Learn-to-Swim program for free.
ABC also says it wants to bring swimming lessons back into the school day through cooperation with the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Park Board, using pools during less busy hours to teach water safety.
For families who use community programs, the party proposes free admission to pools and community centres for children under 18 who are in care.
ABC’s recreation plan also calls for eliminating paid parking at Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, and community centres throughout Vancouver, arguing it would make recreation and community programs more accessible to families.
The party says it is also promising two new outdoor swimming pools at the Sunset and Marpole community centres, along with a new 50-metre lap swimming pool at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre redevelopment instead of a 25-metre lap pool.
ABC’s platform points to an ongoing dispute over the Aquatic Centre redevelopment, including the court rejection of a bid by an advocacy group to delay the pool’s closure last summer and a later challenge to the City’s decision to proceed with a 25-metre replacement.
ABC also notes that, once the Vancouver Aquatic Centre has closed, Hillcrest Centre is the only other 50-metre pool in the city.
The party says the $175-million Vancouver Aquatic Centre redevelopment depends on $103 million in borrowing approved by voters through a capital plan plebiscite question during the 2022 civic election.
ABC says demolition of the existing aquatic centre is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with major construction expected to follow after, while noting the City has yet to award the construction contract.
The platform also includes commitments it says would support additional demand for hockey, ringette, and speed skating through new ice rink capacity.
Across parks and public spaces, ABC proposes a “Playground Improvement Fund” to pay for upgrades and maintenance at playgrounds, parks, boulevards, and other public spaces, with decisions taking into account neighbourhood needs, safety, accessibility, and the condition of existing facilities.
The party says it would double designated dog parks and off-leash areas, and restore the Stanley Park Train, including its seasonal themed events such as the Halloween Ghost Train, while also bringing back Bright Nights.
Child care is another focus of “Raising Vancouver,” with ABC promising additional spaces through partnerships involving the provincial government, the School Board, the Park Board, non-profit organizations, and private operators.
ABC says more than 2,000 child-care spaces have opened during its time in office.
To recruit and retain early-childhood educators, the party proposes pilot projects combining child-care facilities with affordable housing.
ABC also says it would expand after-school programs with the school and park boards and community organizations.
In education and school safety, the party says it would press the provincial government for what it considers Vancouver’s fair share of school tax funding, seeking classroom resources, educational assistants, and specialized support for students with different learning needs.
ABC also pledges to maintain the School Liaison Officer program and says it is a way for police officers to build relationships within schools and help address safety concerns.
To oversee its recreation commitments, ABC says it would create a new committee across City Council, the Park Board, and the School Board, meeting monthly to monitor implementation, waitlists, and access to programs, and says closer cooperation among the three bodies is central to carrying out the plan.
The accompanying “Restoring Vancouver” commitments, ABC says, include road and sidewalk repairs, faster permit processing, and changes aimed at making City Hall more efficient.
ABC’s plan also includes a commitment to realize the construction of a Punjabi Gate in the Sunset neighbourhood, referencing a past provincial commitment for a $3-million project near Main Street and East 50th Avenue that was not fulfilled, and described as a potential public art landmark tied to the Punjabi Market area.
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