The town of Osoyoos is in the final steps of the application process to get tenure on Crown land for a commercial aqua park to open.
Wibit water park is hoping to open their operation on Osoyoos Lake near the Senior Centre’ lawn bowling area on Gyro Park prior to Canada Day.
READ MORE: As water recedes, water sports get going
“This park is a value added amenity to Gyro Park and will be an added attraction for the entire community,” said Gerald Davis, Town of Osoyoos director of community services.
Mayor Sue McKortoff had concerns that the water park apparatus would be open on Canada Day, due to fireworks and the estimated 10,000 people that are in the area to view them. Osoyoos staff said the Wibit owners are aware of the issues in that area with ash falling from the fireworks and it would be their operational issue to guard the apparatus.
The owners of the Wibit park first came to Osoyoos council in 2016 to set up their operation but barriers, including flooding, kept sinking their plans. They also had previous locations in Osoyoos (Legion Beach, Cottonwood Park and Lions Park) rejected.
The application for for a tenure of Crown land must be completed by April 29. The Wibit operators will be responsible for the initial licensing fee of $2,815.05, in addition to the first year fee of $2,681. The yearly fee will continue to be paid by the operators in addition to the following fees to be collected by the Town of Osoyoos; $9,000 in year one, $9,500 in year two and $10, 500 in year three. The operator will have an option to renew the lease for an additional three year term at a rate of $10,500 per year.
Wibit parks currently are running in Penticton, Peachland and Kelowna.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
<>@PentictonNews
newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.