05/29/2026
to the legendary Empire Pool at UBC 🇨🇦 from the Paddock Archives
Built for the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Empire Pool became one of the most iconic aquatic venues in Canadian sports history — and Paddock was part of the story.
Paddock’s bid helped bring the outdoor competition pool and its unforgettable high diving platform to life, creating a venue that hosted Commonwealth Games athletes, generations of swimmers, and decades of memories at UBC.
Opened by Prince Philip in 1954, the pool served the community for 60 years and helped shape the future of competitive aquatics in Vancouver.
From world-class competition to summer swim lessons, Empire Pool proved that great aquatic design can leave a lasting legacy.