Winnipeg city council voted 12-3 on Thursday to honor former councillor and MP Dan Vandal by renaming the Bonivital Pool after him.

Vandal’s Extensive Public Service Career

Dan Vandal represented St. Boniface on city council from 1995 to 2004 and from 2006 to 2014. He later served as the Liberal MP for St. Boniface–St. Vital from 2015 to 2025, holding several cabinet positions. Before entering politics, Vandal competed as a professional boxer and earned a degree in social work. He also acted as mayor briefly in 2004 following Glen Murray’s resignation. Now 65, Vandal retired last year after 26 years in public service.

“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 said. “So, it’s a great honour, and I appreciate the sentiment from council.”

Support from City Leaders

Mayor Scott Gillingham praised Vandal’s contributions. “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 during the vote. “We’ll be glad to see his name go up on the side of this pool.”

Coun. Ross Eadie described Vandal as “an honest, trustworthy city councillor” and “highly deserving” of the recognition.

Opposition and Evolving Views

One dissenting vote came from Coun. Cindy Gilroy, who opposes renaming civic properties after politicians. Her stance has evolved since supporting the 2018 renaming of the West End Library after former councillor Harvey Smith. “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 said.

The Bonivital Pool recently reopened following a $9.8 million renovation that closed it since 2024.