Vancouver Park Board Commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky attended an impromptu press conference in a Speedo to dispute Mayor Ken Sim's assertions about the city's pool reservation system. Bastyovanszky arrived dripping wet outside Kitsilano pool after paying an $8 drop-in fee to swim laps, aiming to counter Sim's claims that drop-ins were not accommodated.
Sim, who leads the municipal political group ABC Vancouver, had been attempting to dissolve the Parks Board, which oversees city pools, parks, and sports fields. He has raised concerns about the current reservation system at Kitsilano pool, where 70% of slots are reserved online, often filling up days in advance. Sim advocated for his "Free the Pools" campaign to eliminate this system. However, he has since dropped his bid to dissolve the board if reelected.
Bastyovanszky, also the founder of the Vancouver Rogues Gay and Inclusive Rugby Club, stated he was "flabbergasted" by the mayor's suggestion that drop-ins were not allowed. "I just did it. It was $8 or something. I paid as an adult to do a drop-in. I did my laps, came here," he explained.
Park Board Chair Thomas Digby criticized Mayor Sim, stating he was the first mayor in 140 years to not meet with the Park Board. Digby also contested the mayor's information, asserting, "It is not true that you must book online to come to Kits pool." He added that the current system, in effect for three years, already allows for drop-ins and that it is rare for someone to be unable to get in. Digby claimed that drop-ins constitute two-thirds of guests at Kitsilano pool, with "hundreds and hundreds of people" walking in.
The unconventional appearance by Bastyovanszky drew comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously jumped into a city pool fully clothed in a suit. Online reactions ranged from amusement and compliments on Bastyovanszky's appearance to comments about governmental transparency.