Image: Okanagan Wibit
Okanagan Wibit operates inflatable water parks in Kelowna (pictured), Peachland, Penticton and is planning to operate in Osoyoos this summer for the first time.

An inflatable water park company is one step closer to shoring up in Osoyoos after Monday’s town council meeting.

Council members passed the first two readings to amend a foreshore and lake zoning bylaw for Okanagan Wibit, which plans to open an inflatable water park just north of Gyro Beach.

The rezoning is required because the location of proposed park, called ‘Osoyoos Wibit,’ is currently designated for public use.

“It’s an amenity that’s going to work well and be well-used by our community, and by a lot of our visitors during the summer months,” Coun. C.J. Rhodes said.

A public hearing on the water park will be held on Apr. 30 at council chambers at 7 p.m.

All councillors who spoke to the matter were in favour of Osoyoos Wibit, but they acknowledged that residents who may have concerns may not have had a chance yet to share their input with council.

Owners of the family business, Randy Gallagher and son Rylie, were at the Sonora Centre earlier this year to outline their plans, and Mayor Sue McKortoff said she was on hand for that public meeting.

“They gave very specific answers, and I felt very comfortable at the end of that meeting with the information that they gave,” McKortoff told council members.

Wibit already has inflatable water parks in Kelowna, Peachland and Penticton.

The company plans to be in business by the summer, and is currently working with the province to obtain permits necessary to operate within the foreshore, according to a report from Osoyoos town staff.

Gina MacKay, director of planning and development services, said at this point the town plans to hold the zoning bylaw amendment at third reading until Osoyoos Wibit has all the permits needed, and then will give the amendment final adoption.