Children’s water park proposed in Peachland

A children’s water park in Peachland could be built on the downtown lakeshore.

Last year, the town bought a private property immediately south of Heritage Park. It contained a vacation home, called the Duck and Pug, that has now been demolished.

In a report going to town council tonight, staff say the site could be used for a water or splash park, pending a feasibility review contained in the master plan for the redevelopment of all municipally owned park properties. That review, being done by a contractor, is scheduled for completion by December.

Mayor Cindy Fortin has advocated for a children’s water park in the past, but other council members have expressed concern about the potential cost of such an undertaking. They also point out Peachland already has Swim Bay, the only beach in the Okanagan that has lifeguards through the summer.

The report to council on other aspects of the town’s corporate strategic plan also says that consideration of a new fire hall will be delayed until after completion of a new water treatment plant.

An outdoor ice rink, formerly at Turner Park, will be moved to Mountainview Park this winter. And staff say the Ministry of Transportation has committed to install traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 97 and Trepanier Road within five years.