Voucher system allows for free public admission
WINNIPEG - April 11, 2012 - The City of Winnipeg is reviewing a proposal to build a $75 million indoor water park and hotel complex on City-owned land near the Forks.
Canalta Development and WaterFun Products are proposing to build the free-standing 50,000 square foot water park on land currently in use as a parking lot.
"An indoor water park is missing on Winnipeg's growing list of attractions," said Mayor Sam Katz. "By investing in a top-notch water park, we'll be able to offer new year-round recreation opportunities to Winnipeggers and visitors alike."
The City set aside $7 million for an indoor water park in 2008. The current proposal is in response to the City's public expression of interest (EOI) to build a water park.
Highlights of the proposal include an offer to purchase a parcel of City-owned land for $6 million. In addition, the development group has agreed to a long-term Public Access Agreement, providing the City with the equivalent of $700,000 annually to allow for free public admission to the water park.
For 25 years, the Public Access Agreement would allow families of limited economic means to use admission vouchers to enjoy the water slides, lazy river and play areas.
"The City of Winnipeg insisted on a Public Access Agreement," said Mayor Katz. "We want this water park to be for the entire City to enjoy and take pride in."
Officials from the City's Planning, Property and Development Department provided City Councillors with a briefing on the proposal earlier today.
As per the City's downtown zoning bylaw, the developers must abide by urban design controls meant to support the aesthetics of the community. They must also secure the services of archeological experts during excavation work in order to protect the archeological history of the site.
WaterFun Products has more than 30 years of experience in the water park industry, with water parks on every continent, including Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and the park at West Edmonton Mall.
Based in western Canada, Canalta has 34 hotels in Alberta and Saskatchewan, receiving positive ratings from its guests in the online review site, TripAdvisor.
Council approval is required before the Public Service can implement any of the recommendations. The report will be considered by the Executive Policy Committee at its meeting on April 18, 2012.