Updated: Company behind Skaha Lake Park development responds to lawsuit

PENTICTON — Residents who’ve been fighting a proposed development on a portion of Skaha Lake Park are not giving up.

Save Skaha Park Society has filed a lawsuit against Penticton mayor and council and the developer, Trio Marine. The lawsuit asks the courts to force a referendum so that residents are given the final say.

The controversial project which includes an expanded marina, new restaurant, and a waterslide park was already approved by council, who said the rules didn’t require a referendum to change the land use.

“We’re not opposed to a marina expansion, and we’re not opposed to a nice restaurant on our end of town. What we are opposed to is seven people deciding what should have been decided democratically, by all the residents of Penticton,” says Carolae Donohue, who speaks for the group.

The lawsuit isn’t the only thing slowing down the development. The Penticton Indian Band sent a letter to Penticton council Monday night asking for more consultation about the environmental and archaeological impact.

Trio Marine issued a statement Tuesday evening responding to the lawsuit and the band’s letter. In the statement, the developer says it plans to keep moving forward with the project.

“We would like to recognize people’s passion for this project, both the positive and the not so positive. Trio Marine Group will continue to work together with the City of Penticton, Save Skaha Park society, and the Penticton Indian Band to discuss concerns of all parties involved while working towards a positive advancement of the Skaha Lake project,” says Trio in its statement.

Trio was supposed to have a joint lease between itself, the city, and the province, ready to sign by October 1. That deadline has been extended for another 12 months.

If and when the project gets going is now up in the air.

“Over the next year and with a pending suit, I think all parties will evaluate things and go from there,” says Mayor Andrew Jakubeit

The question of a referendum will decide the park’s fate once and for all, is now up in the air.

Trio Media Statement