We need your help NOW. Our legal fight to restore democracy and get the 50-meter pool Vancouver voted for has officially begun.
Since our last update on July 17th, we've taken a major step forward in our fight for democratic accountability. We are now officially incorporated as PROTECTING OUR VANCOUVER AQUATIC CENTRE SOCIETY (S0083228), a registered non-profit organization dedicated to defending voters' rights and ensuring Vancouver gets the aquatic facility you actually approved while remaining publicly transparent.
Help us fund our legal fight. Click here to donate now on GoFundMe.
The Democratic Betrayal is Complete
The situation is bad. Despite over 15,000 petition signatures demanding the promised 50-meter pool, Vancouver City Council approved the additional funding for the betrayal plan anyway on June 18th. They're moving forward with spending $170 million of your tax dollars on a 25-meter pool with a lazy river - completely ignoring the legally binding plebiscite where 68% of voters approved $103 million for a 50-meter pool renewal.
This isn't just about broken promises - it's about the complete abandonment of democratic governance. Section 245 of the Vancouver Charter makes borrowing plebiscites legally binding, yet officials have weaponized the plebiscite timeline to secretly develop and approve a plan that delivers 50% less facility for 65% more money.
We've Selected Our Legal Team
After extensive research, we've selected Bojm, Funt & Gibbons, a top municipal litigation firm specializing in judicial review. This is the same firm actively representing the Stanley Park Preservation Society against the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and City of Vancouver. During initial consultation they indicated they're eager to get started.
But we need your financial support immediately to make this fight possible.
DONATE NOW: Help us fund our legal fight on GoFundMe.
Immediate Need: $15,000 - This covers the retainer fee to officially begin case development Full Case Estimate: $45,000-$55,000 - Preliminary range for complete judicial review process, subject to change as case develops
Time is Critical
Every day that passes makes it harder to stop this betrayal. The City is moving forward with their unauthorized plan while counting on public fatigue and the complexity of municipal law to avoid accountability. We cannot let them succeed.
This is about more than a pool - it's about whether your vote means anything in Vancouver. If officials can ignore a clear democratic mandate and spend tens of millions more for a lesser facility, what democratic process is safe?
Your Impact Matters
- $25 - Helps cover legal research and document preparation
- $100 - Supports expert legal analysis of charter violations
- $500 - Directly funds court filing fees and procedural costs
- $1,000+ - Provides substantial litigation support for full petition to the court preparation
We are three ordinary Vancouver residents - Jon Girard (10-year VAC user and organizing petitioner), Susan Boutwood, and Carlie McPhee - who refused to accept this betrayal of democracy. We've invested months of our own time researching legal frameworks and building this case because we believe your vote should matter.
DONATE TODAY - Every Dollar Counts.
We'll continue to provide regular updates on our progress right here on this website and via the GoFundMe campaign.
The legal fight starts now. Vancouver voted for a 50-meter pool. Vancouver deserves a 50-meter pool. Help us make sure Vancouver gets one.
For detailed analysis of the plebiscite timeline manipulation, read our plebiscite timeline study.
PROTECTING OUR VANCOUVER AQUATIC CENTRE SOCIETY is a registered non-profit organization (S0083228) dedicated to democratic accountability and voter rights.
