Winnipeg city council has approved renaming the Bonivital Pool in honor of former politician Dan Vandal, with a 12-3 vote on Thursday.
Vandal’s Extensive Public Service
Dan Vandal served as city councillor for St. Boniface from 1995 to 2004 and from 2006 to 2014. He later represented St. Boniface–St. Vital as a Liberal MP from 2015 to 2025, holding multiple cabinet roles. Vandal also acted as mayor briefly in 2004 following Glen Murray’s resignation.
A former professional boxer with a social work degree, Vandal retired last year after 26 years in public service. Now 65, he shared personal ties to the facility: “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.” He added, “It’s a great honour, and I appreciate the sentiment from council.”
Support from City Leaders
Mayor Scott Gillingham praised Vandal’s contributions during the 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,” 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 recognition.
Opposition and Context
One opposing vote came from Councillor Cindy Gilroy, who objects to renaming civic properties after politicians. She noted her evolving views since supporting the 2018 renaming of the West End Library after former councillor Harvey Smith. “I know it sounds hypocritical, but also think I’m allowed to grow as a politician and change my mind over the years,” Gilroy stated.
The Bonivital Pool recently reopened following a $9.8 million renovation that closed it since 2024.
