Plan to bring floating spa to Vancouver’s False Creek comes to a halt

The HAVN Harbour Sauna Boat is pictured in Victoria. April 11, 2023. (CTV News)

Vancouver won’t be getting a floating spa aboard a converted World War Two barge anytime soon, according to the company behind the plan.

HAVN, which has been operating in Victoria’s Inner Harbour since 2023, announced its plans to expand to the Lower Mainland earlier this year after acquiring a second derelict ship to transform.

Just six weeks ago, an enthusiastic post on HAVN’s Instagram account said a location at the Plaza of Nations in False Creek had been chosen, a development permit had been submitted, and the signing of a lease was imminent.

“It’s not inked yet, but we’re really close,” Nicholas Van Buren, the company’s founder and CEO, said in a social media video.

But late last week, things fell apart.

“The deal’s off and we’re canceling our development permit. So we’ve got nowhere to put the barge. Sorry, Vancouver. If you’ve got a rich uncle who owns a marina, tell him to call us, because we’ve got nowhere to go,” Van Buren said.

The now-cancelled development permit offers a glimpse of what could have been.

“We create immersive environments that foster mindfulness, relaxation, and connection. Our mission is to craft spaces where individuals can pause, recharge, and fully embrace the present moment, nurturing deeper bonds with themselves, others, and the world around them,” the letter submitted to the city said.

The plan was for the barge to be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and the company projected it could accommodate between 200 and 300 people a day.

Once aboard, customers would have three hours to explore a “hydrotherapy circuit” consisting of saunas, cold pools and hot baths. The spa would be alcohol and cell phone free, with a lounge offering some refreshments.

The city’s chief planner had not yet made a decision on the application, which was still under review when the company withdrew it.

One of the people to chime in to express disappointment about the plan being sunk was Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung who urged the company to get in touch with her directly.

“Love to hear more about what space you need. And what locations you may have already tried in Vancouver. Would love to see you in our city,” she commented.