The Kelowna Wibit (pictured), like the one in Penticton, is very popular with youngsters or all ages. (Okanagan Wibit photo)
An inflatable Wibit waterpark is a step closer to reality after council on Monday adopted the necessary foreshore and lake zoning bylaw.
Whether or not the waterpark is able to go ahead this summer will depend on how soon the province can give its final approvals.
Gina MacKay, Osoyoos director of planning and development services, said the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has signed off, and the Ministry of Environment has not indicated an environmental assessment is needed.
However, approval is still required under the B.C. Water Sustainability Act.
MacKay said the province is trying to expedite the process.
The operator of the park, Okanagan Wibit, wanted to have approvals in place in time to recruit and train summer staff this month, she said, however it could still operate the park as late as July.
The inflatable waterpark will be in Osoyoos Lake at the north end of Gyro Park, just offshore from the Osoyoos Senior Centre and lawn bowling.
Okanagan Wibit first approach the town about the proposal in 2016, but the process has entailed debates about various locations, a request for proposals, an open house and a public hearing.
Okanagan Wibit has similar inflatable waterparks in Kelowna, Penticton and Peachland.
The company will lease a small area at Gyro Park for a registration office.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
