Winnipeg city council voted 12-3 to rename the Bonivital Pool in honor of former politician Dan Vandal. The facility, which recently reopened following a $9.8 million renovation that closed it since 2024, will now bear his name.
Dan Vandal’s Extensive Public Service
Vandal represented St. Boniface on city council from 1995 to 2004 and again from 2006 to 2014. He later served as the Liberal MP for St. Boniface–St. Vital from 2015 to 2025, holding several federal cabinet positions. Vandal also acted as mayor briefly in 2004 after Glen Murray’s resignation. A former professional boxer with a degree in social work, he retired last year after 26 years in public office.
“This is a pool where I brought my kids to learn how to swim. And I expect my grandchildren will be there as well, when they’re of age,” Vandal, 65, stated. “So, it’s a great honour, and I appreciate the sentiment from council.”
Support from City Leaders
Mayor Scott Gillingham praised Vandal’s dedication during the council vote. “I’ve always appreciated the interaction that I had with Dan when he was a federal minister and appreciated his insights, his commitment to Winnipeg, and just his style and approach of politics. [It’s] something that I’ve always really admired,” Gillingham said. “We’ll be glad to see his name go up on the side of this pool.”
Councillor Ross Eadie described Vandal as “an honest, trustworthy city councillor” and “highly deserving” of the honor.
Dissenting Views
Among the three votes against the motion, Councillor Cindy Gilroy expressed opposition to renaming public properties after politicians. She noted her stance has evolved since supporting a similar rename of the West End Library to the Harvey Smith Library in 2018. “So, I know it sounds hypocritical, but also think I’m allowed to grow as a politician and change my mind over the years,” Gilroy remarked.
