UPDATED 6:15 p.m. to add new information:
Penticton taxpayers are on the hook for a big chunk of change now that a controversial project for the Skaha Lake Marina project has fallen apart.
“After much deliberations we are enacting the terms of our agreement with the Trio Marine Group to terminate the 29-year contract completely,” Penticton mayor Andrew Jakubeit said in a news release. “The Trio Marine Group will continue to operate the marina through the end of 2018.”
The initial plan, which included waterslides and large greenspace, was met with huge backlash from some Penticton residents – who rallied numerous times outside city hall.
A large community group who lead opposition to the Trio plan is celebrating the decision.
“Save Skaha Park Society (SSPS) is delighted with the news that the City of Penticton is severing all ties with Trio Marine Group and that Skaha Park will remain in the hands of people who own it, namely the citizens of Penticton,” a statement from Lisa Martin for SSPS said.
The city and Trio went back to the drawing board last year and agreed to remove the waterslides and greenspace, but still develop an expanded marina, restaurant and retail space.
READ MORE: Penticton city council approves revised Skaha Park development
The city says it has reached a termination agreement with Trio Marine Group that will cost taxpayers $200,000. That does not include more than $168,000 in administrative and legal fees.
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit says as a result of the failed project, the city will make a better effort in giving the community a stronger voice in how park lands are managed in the future.
Save Skaha Park Society gathered support from 5,200 Penticton residents in their effort to oppose the project over two years.
“It is unfortunate that it took the City of Penticton this long and at these costs to realize it as well,” the statement from SSPS said.
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