Health & parking concerns

Dear Mayor Fortin, members of council, Peachland staff and members of the media,

I am writing to you today with serious concerns about the proposed water park (Wibit) and food vendor (Kona Ice) to be located at Beach and 13th on the waterfront directly across from the boardwalk and beside the public deck area.

Council approved the water park and mobile food vendor against the advice of city staff, most recently at the April 4th council meeting. Director Wiebe was tasked with coordinating the seasonal businesses with respects to locations, washroom facilities and operational concerns.

I attended a meeting last week that included the owners of the water park, the bike and water sport rental facility and Director Wiebe. The owners of Kona Ice were not present. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the council directed mandates for these businesses.

I have numerous concerns about the additions of these businesses, including (but not limited to):

• Public health and accessibility 
• Inadequacy of parking
• Loss of public park facilities
• A lack of respect for due process on behalf of the council
• A lack of consideration of brick and mortar businesses in the immediate area and of local residents
• The improper location of these businesses

It is not too late to reconsider your decisions. There are other options that could be implemented before the season begins. The construction of bathroom facilities, portable, fully equipped facilities (not unlike those at the Merritt visitors centre), and other options should be considered.

Barry Yeo
Owner, Bliss Bakery & Bistro