Erieau Beach water park needs OK from LTVCA, has backup in place

Plans for an inflatable water park at Erieau Beach are still on the table, however there are still a few more hoops to jump through.

During a brief meeting Tuesday evening, Chatham-Kent Ward 2 Councillor Ryan Doyle and Aqua City owner/operator Sam Tudorica discussed a couple of new updates about the proposed park.

The update follows concerns from residents and business owners regarding a number of potential issues surrounding the installation of the park.

Tudorica explained the water park’s capacity will be much smaller than that of other inflatable water parks in the province, such as the one in Barrie. She said the park coming next month will have a maximum capacity of 60 people at a time, with four life guards expected to be on duty during its operational hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Tudorica said the park will only operate weather permitting. Any inclement weather warnings, or strong waves pose as a safety issue and will result in the water park shutting down until the threat(s) clear. Patrons will also be required to sign a waiver ahead of time, with youth between the ages of 10-17 expected to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

As far as security goes, Tudorica mentioned there are talks to have security in the area at night, with plans to install video security as well.

However, the exact location of where the park will be set up remains in question. For safety, the park must be set up between 100-150 feet off shore, have an access point, and sit on top of water that is at least 9 feet deep, making the area near the pier, the most desired spot.

Tudorica said that while they continue to wait for government permits, Aqua City will need approval from the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA).

If the LTVCA does not approve Erieau has a suitable location, Tudorica said there is a backup in place, although it was not specified where. Doyle said the conservation authority wants to ensure the water quality is good before giving the green light for installation. An answer to that question is expected to come during a special meeting next week.

The park’s inflatable components, which are currently being shipped from China, Tudorica said, are expected to arrive by the second week of June. Once it arrives and all permits and approvals are made, she said set up should only take several days keeping on track with Aqua City’s and the muncipality’s previously announced anticipated opening date of sometime during the middle or end of next month.