The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is closed while staff assess the situation after a large piece of the front of the building fell off overnight.
“A piece of facia fell off the front of the building, near the front entrance,” says parks board spokesperson Jeannine Guerette in an email to Vancouver Is Awesome.
The piece that fell came from the area above and to the right of the front entrance. Material fell into the garden below.
“Thankfully no one was injured, but out of an abundance of caution, Parks and Recreation staff are closing the building for the remainder of the day while it undergoes an assessment,” Guerette adds.
When it will reopen is dependent on the assessment, she notes. Initially, the aquatic centre was open to the public this morning, March 16, but it was decided it should be closed midday.
The 48-year-old structure needed upgrades of around $40 million eight years ago according to a report. At the time the city was discussing its options.
Update: Out of an abundance of caution, we will be closing the Vancouver Aquatics Centre for the remainder of the day while staff continue to assess building. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. https://t.co/pBwyMFo0Of
— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) March 16, 2022
