PIB 'super park' plan revived

Photo: Colin Dacre

The Penticton Indian Band has revived conversation about a proposed “super park” on their reserve, but this time, on the old game farm lands south of the city.

The PIB membership voted 149 - 93 down a proposal in December 2018 that would have seen a vast 940-acre amusement park constructed on the reserve, including ziplines,  a mountain coaster, a waterpark, mountain biking, chairlift, amphitheatre and more.

“Through feedback and initial engagement the PIB membership were in favour of the project, but were more favourable towards the project on the game farm lands,” reads a Chief and Council brief posted to Facebook on Tuesday. “Avion Developments, K’uL Group and the Penticton Indian Band have revived this potential partnership with the location moved to the game farm lands.”

Avion Developments is fronted by Trevor Seibert, one of four original founders of the Area 27 Speedway in Oliver. The PIB park proposal is, however, completely unaffiliated with Area 27. The Ku’L Group is the PIB’s new name for its economic development arm.

The band says it has already approved a Chief and Council resolution to start the lease process, issued a memorandum of interest and submitted a grant application for infrastructure.

Environmental and infrastructure assessments, community engagement and negotiations between the Ku’L Group and Avion are underway.

Work still needs to start on a formal business plan, federal approval and later stages of the lease execution.

“To be able to launch this project for tourist season next year, this whole process would need to be completed by mid-June,” the council brief continues.

PIB members with questions are asked to contact Mike Campol or Joan Phillip.