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Two waterparks considered for Shuswap Lake

Bounce the Shu pursuing proposed Sicamous location as well as one at Sunnybrae.
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File image Proposed locations for Bounce the Shu’s waterpark include two near Sicamous Sands, with a third possibility at Beach Park also a consideration.

Tyler Bartley is confident Sicamous will be home to a floating waterpark, and is already working on an additional Shuswap location.

The Bounce the Shu organizer is buoyed by the public’s response to last week’s Eagle Valley News story, Floating waterpark proposed for Sicamous, which details his Aug. 9 presentation to district council.

“The feedback I’m seeing is great. Everybody seems to be excited about it,” said Bartley, who will be meeting with Sicamous staff and council again this week to further discuss available options.

“There’s going to be one in Sicamous, I can guarantee that. The size and where we’re going to place it, we don’t know yet exactly, but there will be a Wibit water park there in Sicamous.”

In addition, Bartley said he will be meeting with CSRD staff in September to further discuss setting up a second waterpark location in Sunnybrae.

“Hopefully we can continue on with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District with the other location at Sunnybrae…,” said Bartley. “I think there’s definitely enough people in the area that two parks can benefit from it.”

During his Aug. 9 presentation in Sicamous, council expressed concern with the two proposed locations for the planned 70 metre by 70 metre inflatable, modular, obstacle-course-style waterpark (100 by 100 metres total with boundary) and its proximity to Sicamous Sands. Staff remarked the district would require a licence of occupation to make this work.

Alternatively, it was suggested the waterpark could be placed at Beach Park.

Since the Aug. 9 meeting, Bartley said he’s further studied the B.C. Land Act, as well as B.C.’s Adventure Tourism Policy, and is more confident with the placement of one of the proposed locations – adjacent to the north end of the beach by Sicamous Sands.

“It’s a lot deeper water out there, and with that location there’s no problem with us applying for a title of occupation…,” said Bartley. “There’s nobody really in front of that so we won’t have to worry about anybody raising a stink about land rights.”

Bartley notes upland owners’ rights end at the high water mark.

There is also interest in the Beach Park location, though the waterpark would have a smaller footprint. It wouldn’t include the ages seven and under park that was part of the original proposal, but could be accompanied by stand-alone features.

“I’ve been talking to Transportation Canada on that and I think that’s the route we want to go with,” said Bartley, adding it’s possible the current swim area boundary may be expanded.

“What we’re looking at… to fit in there would be a 42 metre by 37 metre park,” said Bartley, explaining the 100 metre by 100 metre was a boundary put in place for the other two locations so the park could be moved to ensure water depth. “So when we have an area where we’re in front of the public beach, we achieve that right away. It’s very deep in there.”

Bartley acknowledged he has a variety of options to look at when he meets again with Sicamous staff and council, but remains committed to making Sicamous’ waterpark Bounce the Shu’s premier location.

“We’ll be getting together (this) week and will look at the areas in front of Sicamous Sands there and just see. Because we want to put a really nice, large park in there, something comparable to Harrison Hot Springs.”

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