The WAVE Prize launch's signature project is in North Vancouver. (Courtesy Swim Drink Fish)
Victoria council has unanimously voted to explore a new or expanded swim dock on the Gorge Waterway, with potential support from Swim Drink Fish Canada's WAVE prize.
The WAVE Prize is a new initiative that will award up to five grants of $3-15 million to local governments and First Nations in B.C. to fund the construction of natural water swimming structures. It would cover 80 per cent of eligible construction costs up to $15 million. Victoria staff will now explore the potential to apply for a grant and identify partners for the city's 20 per cent share, reporting back to council before the Jan. 9 application deadline.
Swim Drink Fish operates under the view that "connection leads to protection": it strives to create swimmable, drinkable, fishable water by connecting people to water, according to its website. David Suzuki was a past ambassador of the program.
"Globally, cities are transforming underused waterfronts into vibrant swimming destinations, demonstrating that natural water swimming structures can be clean, affordable and transformative," said Coun. Krista Loughton, who brought forward the motion at a Nov. 20 council meeting.
Loughton noted that the flagship WAVE Prize project in North Vancouver - announced on Nov. 3 - serves as a "real-world example of what the WAVE Prize can achieve." That project will include protected swimming areas, an accessible shallow pool, 50-metre swim lanes, diving platforms, lounging and seating areas, at the urban Waterfront Park.
Derrick Newman, director of parks, recreation and facilities, said Victoria is "uniquely" positioned to apply for the prize.
"We're leaders in this sort of aquatic open water swimming environment with the design and features of our existing swim dock. With that, we've done a lot of assessments on the environmental side of things, the lifeguarding side of things, as well as we have a specific zone in Bamfield Park that enables this type of access."
He noted that there were a number of beaches on the Gorge Waterway that staff could explore for a project. Due to tides, he said the Gorge is more sheltered and affords simpler engineering and design than other waterfront areas in Victoria.