Const. Don Wrigglesworth quickly controlled a gallery full of residents who became upset the waterfront development issue wouldn't be discussed by council at the regular meeting, July 20, 2015. Photographer: Steve Arstad

Penticton council stands resolute in waterpark decision

Edit

PENTICTON – Several hundred residents converged on city hall Monday to voice support for and against a Skaha Lake Marina waterfront proposal, but Penticton council appears to be unfazed by demands of those opposed to the plans.

Those against the plan called on council to call a referendum, or otherwise force a re-thinking, on the issue.

Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit says today he wanted to give everyone on council some time to think about the July 20 rally before gauging their interest in revisiting the proposal by Trio Marine Group for revitalization of the Skaha Lake Marina waterfront.

“Today I canvassed council. They were united in their support to continue forward with the Trio Marine Group,” Jakubeit says, adding council was disheartened by a few citizens’ passion that 'took a turn sideways' and impacted the formal council proceedings. “Everyone has a right to their opinion and should feel safe to voice it and be respected for having a dialogue or showing an interest. Last night I felt democracy took a back seat and we didn’t have civilized or respectful dialogue.”

Coun. Helena Konanz agrees with the mayor, saying a few citizens lost control of their emotions and respectfulness.

“This was not a positive for anyone, but especially negative as this was in front of children whom attended the rally. This was a concern, especially when we’ve been putting such an emphasis on anti-bullying in our community,” she says.

Konanz says it’s an exciting time for the city, noting a growing voice for change in the community for activities supporting youth and young families.

“A referendum would cost $40,000. The referendum actually occurred last November during the election, when at every debate and forum citizens called for changes in our community, then voted for this council,” she says.

“Good public policy isn’t based on who shows up at the front door. Each of us on council platformed for change and moving Penticton forward, receiving overwhelming support. Our decision to create part of Skaha Park into a waterpark was based on what council felt would provide benefit for the community, and aligns with a strategic priority of waterfront enhancement,” Jakubeit adds.

The mayor says of 39 emails he received yesterday about the waterpark, 27 were supportive and 12 were opposed. A look at the comments section on the story posted to Infonews Facebook yesterday about the rally indicates a similar, if not higher ratio of supportive comments over those opposed.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

8 responses

  1. Lorna Harlow

    It’s a great plan and location! Keep going Mayor and Council!

  2. Angela Prechel

    I love the idea I love waterslides,I thought Munson mountain would be an awesome location lol more debate there,there really is not a private land area for the size the waterslides would need and in city,,,,the slides will be used from May to September,,,that’s almost 5 full months and I’ve missed or old slides!

  3. Avelino Shannon

    Fantastic

  4. Susan Offer

    Great news council!

  5. Brian Schmidt

    Since the closure of the old water slide park that Penticton used to have I have heard many Locals and visitors say what a shame it was that its gone it was a Great place to spend the day with the FAMILY. A new waterslide park would give families a place to come visit again, and there is no better location than near the lake. The biggest concern I would have is add More parking near and around the area.

  6. Gayle Heslegrave

    Way to go,This will be very good for the young families living here now and for the ones moving here in the coming years.

  7. Sharry Rose Anne Lee

    A total disgrace. Entry-level jobs created for two months in the summer. And This is their idea of economic development? That’s their best shot? They have to bribe a company with a log lease to create this junk? Get real. On land paid for by taxpayers over many decades. Colour me disgusted.

  8. Travis Hiller

    What a fuckin joke. They need to impeach these crooked pukes…especially the mayor!

Leave a Reply

Tags
Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

Steve Arstad's Stories

Related Articles