The newly rebuilt Mundy Park Pool in Coquitlam is making waves as one of Lower Mainland's first low-carbon outdoor pools. With support from BC Hydro, the facility brings together recreation, energy efficiency and climate innovation reducing emissions by about 80 per cent.
Outdoor pools are typically energy-intensive, and the Mundy Park Pool previously known as Spani Outdoor Pool was the third-largest source of emissions in Coquitlam's building portfolio, despite operating only in the summer, largely because it was powered by gas. Located within one of Metro Vancouver's largest urban forests, the new facility uses electricity and features a hybrid air-source heat pump system, a high-efficiency boiler and pool covers that capture and retain heat when the pool is not in use. Together, these upgrades significantly reduce environmental impact while improving overall efficiency.
"The transformation of Mundy Park Pool shows what's possible when communities and utilities work together to cut emissions and modernize public infrastructure," said Charlotte Mitha, BC Hydro's President and CEO. "This project demonstrates real climate leadership across the region, and is a powerful example of how clean electricity can help communities meet their climate goals."
For the City of Coquitlam, the pool represents a broader commitment to upgrading aging infrastructure with energy efficient and low-carbon solutions while enhancing services for residents. The sustainability elements of the project were supported through the City's Carbon Offset Reserve and CleanBC funding administered by BC Hydro. This included $7,500 in study funding and $124,200 in Capital Incentive funding, demonstrating how targeted investments can modernize public facilities and advance local climate goals.
"I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at this pool back in my teens, and have enjoyed seeing how this project modernized community infrastructure in a way that benefits both residents and the environment," said Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart. "Mundy Park Pool has become a destination for families across the region, and by incorporating energy-efficient, low-carbon technology, we're reducing operating costs and emissions at the same time. It's a smart investment that delivers long-term value for our community."
Mundy Park Pool also offers a preview of what's ahead. The City is taking a holistic approach that ensures that future facilities are built with low carbon, energy efficient and climate resilient design principles in mind. The planned Burke Mountain Community Centre, for example, aims to achieve the Zero Carbon Building - Design Standard.
The project also aligns with the City of Coquitlam's Environmental Sustainability Plan and Climate Action Plan, which target a 45 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Beyond the pool, the City is advancing a range of initiatives including:
- LED streetlight upgrades reducing electricity use by nearly 55 per cent and saving $406,000 annually,
- a shared e-scooter and e-bike program logging 175,000 trips, replacing up to 61,000 car trips, and
- a growing electric vehicle fleet and charging network.
Together, these efforts recently earned Coquitlam recognition as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2025 and 2026, and BC Hydro's Power Smart Champion.
BC Hydro is accepting nominations from B.C. residents, businesses, municipalities, or Indigenous and community groups that have taken steps to lower their carbon footprint and adopt new clean energy technologies. If you or someone you know is a Power Smart Champion, nominate them at bchydro.com/powersmartchampions.
BC Hydro's Power Smart 2.0 plan is expected to deliver 800 megawatts of capacity savings and 2,200 gigawatt hours of energy savings over three years - enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. By reducing peak demand and improving overall system efficiency, the plan helps keep electricity affordable for all customers while supporting B.C.'s growing economy. To learn more about BC Hydro's Power Smart 2.0 plan, visit bchydro.com.
