Robert Fisher
Staff Reporter
BARRY’S BAY — Derek Stonier, owner of Splashtown Water Parks, appeared virtually before council in Madawaska Valley at the Dec. 5 meeting to make his case for building a seasonal water park in the town.
Township recreation co-ordinator Hannah Gutoskie made an initial presentation at a meeting in November and council requested Stonier to speak with the township directly. At the November meeting, council raised several concerns primarily dealing with safety, security and liability. See the story on page 4 of our Nov. 22 edition for more details.
Stonier opened by saying he and his family have spent many summers and autumn months in Barry’s Bay and, “(the water park) coming to Barry’s Bay brings a lot of revenue to the area,” due to the tourism-centric nature of the summer economy of the township.
Coun. Mary Blank asked about security and how issues of damage and vandalism are dealt with. Stonier said his company would provide security at his cost. He continued to say that once the park is established and the company becomes integrated into the community through local sports and volunteer efforts, “both communities (where there are Splashtown parks) have kind of taken a sense of ownership of Splashtown,” and self-police the facility. Stonier noted that there would be signage on shore and on the equipment as well as onshore physical security. He said security personnel would take over during hours the park is closed.
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