Winnipeg pool could be re-named in honour of former public servant

A pool in the Niakwa Park neighbourhood may soon bear the name of a longtime public servant.

A city committee dove into discussions on renaming a Winnipeg pool in honour of a long-serving city councillor and member of parliament.

A report considered Tuesday by the city’s standing policy committee on community services pitches studying the feasibility of renaming Piscine Bonivital Pool to Piscine Dan Vandal Bonivital Pool.

Renaming the facility is meant to honour Vandal’s “significant and lifelong contributions to the City of Winnipeg and the St. Boniface community,” the report said.

“I think he’s an ideal candidate,” said Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), who partnered on the motion with Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital).

Vandal spent nearly three decades in public service, much of that time as a city councillor in the St. Boniface ward followed by three terms as an area MP.

He announced in 2024 he would not seek re-election.

Allard told the committee he wanted to push the report through to the executive policy committee, waiving the public service’s review of the name change.

He added the renaming would be funded using his and Coun. Mayes’ ward allowances.

The motion was ultimately approved, with Coun. Emma Durand-Wood (East Kildonan) opposed due to the lack of public service review.

It will next be considered by the city’s executive policy committee.