Public hearing will be held before inflatable waterpark approved for Osoyoos Lake

A proposed inflatable water park in Osoyoos moved one step closer to reality this week.

However, local residents will be able to voice their concerns relating to the proposed “Wibit” waterpark on Osoyoos Lake before Town of Osoyoos council makes a final decision.

Okanagan Wibit, the owners of successful Wibit parks in Kelowna, Penticton and Peachland, approached Osoyoos council in late 2016 asking for permission to open a location in that community.

The original proposed site was at Legion Beach south of downtown and a second site at Cottonwood Park was also considered, but management with Okanagan Wibit made it clear they’re preferred choice was the main Gyro Beach downtown.

On Tuesday, Osoyoos council approved first and second reading of a bylaw amendment that would alter zoning to allow the Wibit park to open near Gyro Beach on a section of Osoyoos Lake located directly behind the Osoyoos Seniors Centre and near the Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club.

The public hearing is set to take place on Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at town hall.

Gina MacKay, director of planning and development services, told council that an inflatable waterpark would be an asset for Osoyoos as it would serve as a popular attraction to the thousands of tourists who visit the community as well as local residents.

The owners have made it clear they would like the waterpark to open as soon as possible to take advantage of the 2018 tourist season in Osoyoos.

MacKay is confident the necessary approvals to open the park will be obtained from the province.

Mayor Sue McKortoff asked if opening the park in time for the 2018 tourist season was realistic and MacKay responded that she has engaged in discussions with the provincial government with that deadline in mind.

The town has applied to the province for a water license and Okanagan Wibit continues to work with the province to obtain required permits, said MacKay.

Coun. C. J. Rhodes and Coun. Mike Campol are members of the waterfront steering committee that has discussed in depth all aspects of the Wibit waterpark.

“I feel like we’ve done more than our due diligence on looking at this project based on location, and any potential challenges or concerns that have been addressed,” said Campol. “I would like to see it happen for this summer.”

Rhodes concurred.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people about it, but it’s all been positive,” he said. “It’s an amenity that’s going to work well and be well used by our community and by a lot of our visitors during the summer months.”

Two different sizes for the inflatable waterpark are under consideration.

A smaller one would be 48 by 25 metres with a capacity of 80 to 100 people. A larger one would be 51 by 40 metres with a capacity of 120 to 140 people.

A small registration office and storage bins for lifejackets would be located at Gyro Park near the south corner of the lawn bowling club.

Okanagan Wibit would lease the municipal land from the town.