I know I posted this in the Kamloops thread, but it deserves as much exposure as it can get.

By Melissa Lampman

Staff reporter

melissa@kamloopsthisweek.com

With a price tag of more than $200 million, the development of a water park, complete with a hotel, arena, commercial space and conference centre, could be the biggest single development in Kamloops’ history.

It’s expected to take five years to fully complete but, when it’s done, Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park will sprawl 45 acres on the south side of Highway 5, across from Sun Rivers, and will employ about 1,500 people.

The first phase is a 12-acre water park — the largest in Canada and the eighth-largest in North America — that will have capacity for 8,000 people per day, boasting wave pools, thrill rides, tube rides, lazy river and children’s rides.

“I can’t begin to explain what’s inside this water park,” Doug Wittal of DW Builders told KTW, adding it will be Western-themed and be open by next summer.

“There will be an 80-foot-high tower where the bottom drops out and shoots people through the slides, another that fits eight of your friends on one tube and a swim-up pool bar.”

In addition to the water park, a 130- to 150-room hotel is planned, as well as two 12,000-foot commercial buildings, along with a couple of restaurants.

Capping it off, there will be a convention centre that can seat 1,000 people that will be connected to a 3,000-seat ice arena with private booths and retractable roof, another 300-room hotel, a second 30,000-square-foot water park and 100 two-bedroom suites marketed to international students attending Thompson Rivers University.

After three years in the making, Wittal made the announcement Wednesday to a packed room at TRU, calling it one of the — if not the most — exciting projects to hit Kamloops in years.

“We believe it’s part of what will make Kamloops recession-proof,” Wittal of the project that will be built in phases over the next five years.

“This is just another thing that puts Kamloops on the map and shows why we’re the greatest place to live.”

After looking at other cities — including Kelowna — for the venture, he said the airport expansion and the introduction of WestJet Airlines sealed the deal for it to be built in the River City.

“People are going to be flying into Kamloops just for this — that’s the magnitude,” he said.

“I wanted it to be in Kamloops. I’m very pro-Kamloops and it works with the Tournament Capital theme. It’s huge dollars . . . the economic spinoffs are immense.”

Mayor Peter Milobar is excited about the project, which has council’s full support.

“If it can all come together, it will provide a much-needed, destination tourism, long-stay attraction that the city has been looking for for quite some time,” Milobar said. “Obviously, the spinoffs in, not only the construction phase, but the extra jobs that would come with it, would be huge for the city.”

Milobar said each of the project’s business enterprises would be successful in their own rights and, since they are massed together, it will probably make them stronger.

“In a down economy, to see this kind of private investment willing to step up and take next steps is a good thing and we should be encouraging it,” he said.

“The world needs big dreams.”

Wittal and local partner Thomas Aubrey from IR Express have financial backing from undisclosed outside investors not affected by the current economic downturn.

During the park’s slide-show presentation, Aubrey was clearly elated, bouncing on his feet with a grin stretching ear to ear.

“Yes. Yes,” Aubrey shouted over the thunderous applause and shouts from the crowd, which included mayor and council, Kamloops Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson and council, MLAs Claude Richmond and Kevin Krueger and MP Cathy Mcleod.

“I’m amazed at the talent we’re working with,” Aubrey said.

“These people are industry leaders and world leaders in their industries.”

Despite the current economic volatility, now is the perfect storm for Whittle.

“First off, we’re not participating in the recession,” he said.

“We build when things are tougher, perceived to be tougher and, when everything is opened, we’ll be through all the turmoil.”

Technically, the development is on KIB land; however, it’s an individual who owns the parcels on which the theme park will rise.

Gottfriedson said he’s pleased with the development, noting it will strengthen the entire regional economy even during times of uncertainty.

“The announcement of this project on a CP holder’s land on our reserve, what this project shows is when you partner with the right people, there is certainty that is provided,” Gottfriedson said, noting it will bring numerous economic opportunities and jobs.

“Our future is very bright. Not just the Kamloops Indian Band, but the regional economy.”

Nice to see positive news and developers with confidence in the future.

The park will need some "world's biggest, highest, etc." type ride to make it a destination for those outside of the province, though.

GO KAMLOOPS GO!

Nice. Any pictures/renders?

here's a video

http://www.bcdailybuzz.com/media/2531/Massive_250-million_tourist_resort_coming_to_Kamloops/

I do find it strange that there is NO location of this anywhere on the internet. No site , nothing DW builders site. NOTHING... But they said its for sure.

So it's just a water park? No roller coasters?

There's a site and location already determined. Check out the website. Looks like its gonna be just waterslides.

http://www.sedrics.com/

It's funny, reading comments in the media articles about this, there is a lot of skepticism and I don't think people understand the scope of this project and the fact that there are some serious people connected with this. They are not kidding when they talk about world leaders in their respective industries being involved. Here's a prelim design for the resort:

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2291/10154695.jpg

wow , I am a believer now.

Where is the indoor water park?

The indoor water park will be located inside the 400 room hotel according to the website. 300 hotel rooms and 100 two bedroom suites for international TRU students will be in that building, I'm not sure of the exact size but that building will be massive and I think will deserve it's own thread on here. I personally think a building that size will be larger than the Landmark One tower going in across from TRU.

http://sedrics.com

check out the site map, its a big PDF file

the park is right on mt paul way. they expect 8500 people a day for 2 months in the summer. they are building a new intersection at the end of sunrivers (or maybe just moving the current one). but wouldnt they (or someone) need to do something about the old Red Bridge? i think it stands to reason there will be a lot of tourist traffic between this place and downtown kamloops. this whole park is highway dependant but the highway access to downtown leaves a lot to be desired.

anyway i'm not even a kid and this place looks awesome. seriously, a 3000 seat retractable roof arena? that'll hold like what, 5000 for concerts? open-air concerts, kamloops summer nights?

that is what the ISC should have been.

nobody is going to play prospera place ever again.

BUT a good point was made in the daily news. the largest water park in canada is in ontario, close to toronto, and struggles to bring in 5,000 people on a good day. they have a much bigger population to draw on, so i dont see how they expect 455,000 visitors a year. that's like 10% of BC's population isn't it?

if they pull it off.... 455,000 visitors a year. kamloops will feel 5 times bigger. in FIVE YEARS. if only 5% of those people, if one in twenty decides "hey this is a nice place, i think i'll stay" that's a population increase of almost 23,000 people!

BUT a good point was made in the daily news. the largest water park in canada is in ontario, close to toronto, and struggles to bring in 5,000 people on a good day. they have a much bigger population to draw on, so i dont see how they expect 455,000 visitors a year. that's like 10% of BC's population isn't it?

Yeah, it's apples and oranges though. That park in Ontario is just marketed to the local crowd. Sedric's will be marketed globally as a desination resort and it will have more than a water theme park to draw and keep a crowd, and I don't think they are overreaching at all with the numbers. And Anon2, it's not just 2 months in the summer. We have such fabulous weather the outdoor portion should have an operating season of 5 months minimum.

this is true. and there is an indoor waterpark as well. so it will be operational all year.

i bet we got better weather than ontario as well

Well, if I remember correctly, we have the longest and hottest summers on average in Canada.

... give me a break... why would people come to KAMLOOPS when they could go to Disneyland and get a BIGGER bang for their buck?! The water park is cool, but 5 months a year is NOT enough to keep the doors open.. The majority of this park is proposed to be outdoor. We get a crappy season for weather... they lose money BIG TIME. As hopeful as I am that it will work.. it is not feasible.

If you can't depend on LOCALS to support your park, why would you expect people from elsewhere to come to the middle of now where to visit a waterpark where in a day, you can experience it all?

ANY business requires the local trade to keep it running in the NON-TOURIST season, and the high tourist season will be July and August BASICALLY. Saying they don't rely on locals will get them in trouble immediately. That is such closed minded thinking. Sure we have specatcular weather... but that isn't guaranteed...

I believe the park in Ontario has a GREAT bearing on the success of this park and the numbers to expect. If they have a population of 4 Million in their area, and they can only garner 5,000 people on a good day, there is NO way this park will ever get close to matching that including EVEN getting local/regional support.

Face it, this park will only attract REGIONAL/provincial tourists, and MAYBE tourists from Vancouver and Alberta at the most. Everyone else will have the options of DISNEYLAND or this park - as the travel time and cost will be similar. i think it is a GREAT project in the WRONG location.

After seeing the promotional video for this resort, i cant help but think, they MAY have their "international investors" lined up, but that video was a SALES pitch to line up MORE investors for this pie in the sky idea. i highly doubt they have all the financing in line. If the video repesentation was meant to showcase this to the locals, why are they telling US everything about it, and visit AdventureKamloops.com or whatever website they mentioned - Information we already know about the climate, golf courses, etc. This is to SOLICIT outside investors to come in and beef it up or make it viable - try an get Jimmy Pattison to do it.

I believe their "international" investors said, we'll pony up this much if you can generate "$xxx.xx" locally..

Speaking of Pattison, it would be interesting to see his company thoughts on it since they do similar projects - if it WAS such a great idea, why wouldn't they have done it here? Why do THEY have one in Niagra Falls, but not he TOURNAMANET CAPITAL OF CANADA, Kamloops???? Perhaps because they know what they are doing!

Like I say, I would LOVE to see something like this to happen, but flashy waterslides and pipe dreams won't make the dollars fly in... you need more than WATERSLIDES, and a Ice Area/Multipurpose arena to attract tourists to choose between their vacation in disneyland or vacation in Kamloops.

PS: I have looked over their website quite thoroughly and the site plan as well.

Call me a wet blanket, but this project is as PIE IN THE SKY as they get

tom galardi's new downtown hotel is supposed to cost 25 million for 150 rooms and a small convention center.

this park is supposed to cost 250 million, 500+ rooms, convention center for 800 people, and a 3000 seat arena. oh, plus the giant water parks (one is indoor too?).

i think this does have a lot of local support. what makes you think the people of kamloops will just ignore it?


and i dont buy your "why go here when you could go to disneyland" argument. 1) people only go to disneyland because their kids demand it cause it's all they know, 2) i dont know anything about disney land but i'd imagine it's more of an amusement park than a water park which is important when attracting different age groups,

and 3)

with your logic why go to sun peaks when you can go to whistler? we might as well just close down all the other ski resorts in BC because they will never attract anyone!

I'm not saying it doesn't have local support - I know it does and I AM ONE OF THEM, however, it is going to take a whole lot more than just local support or regional support to keep it afloat!

Just think of the numbers required to keep it running on a daily basis.. For a park THAT size, they can't just keep PART of it open, they will need to keep ALL of it open ALL of the time, while in operation, that means pretty much a full compliment of staff, I say several hundred AT LEAST @ $10/hour, means $2,000 PER HOUR x 10 hrs day - $20,000 in JUST PAYROLL every day.

Estimate admissions $30/person (no idea if this is close) - average attendance (will be higher and lower of course), 1500 people - $45,000 in revenue per day - of course the more attendance, the higher the number of staff required. I would think there would be a significant amount of other expenses on a daily basis, LET ALONE giving a return to the investors.

I realize it may take time to build up the attendance, but unless the park starts off with a REAL BIG BANG, since they admit that the anchor and MAIN ATTRACTION *IS* the waterpark, if it doesn't show a GREAT return at the beginning, I can't see how anyone would be happy without that return!

I am JUST trying to crunch numbers on a REALISTIC level - I'd like someone else to put forward other numbers that would make this project viable as far as a DAILY OPERATIONS aspect...

As I said, I am completely behind a project like this and understand the benefits, but these developers have no real world amusement park experience - just being fed numbers from industry sales people who of course have numbers that will make it look good!

Local support for local attractions? Look at the 10 Pin Bowling alley that was here....Wanda Sue.....Widlife Park.....Laser Tag Arena...... Admittedly they are not to this scale, but that is my point about the local support. It is one thing for them to say "I WANT TO SEE THIS HERE" but a completely other for them to open up their wallets many times during the year to attend this facility.

I'm not saying it doesn't have local support - I know it does and I AM ONE OF THEM, however, it is going to take a whole lot more than just local support or regional support to keep it afloat!

Just think of the numbers required to keep it running on a daily basis.. For a park THAT size, they can't just keep PART of it open, they will need to keep ALL of it open ALL of the time, while in operation, that means pretty much a full compliment of staff, I say several hundred AT LEAST @ $10/hour, means $2,000 PER HOUR x 10 hrs day - $20,000 in JUST PAYROLL every day.

Estimate admissions $30/person (no idea if this is close) - average attendance (will be higher and lower of course), 1500 people - $45,000 in revenue per day - of course the more attendance, the higher the number of staff required. I would think there would be a significant amount of other expenses on a daily basis, LET ALONE giving a return to the investors.

I realize it may take time to build up the attendance, but unless the park starts off with a REAL BIG BANG, since they admit that the anchor and MAIN ATTRACTION *IS* the waterpark, if it doesn't show a GREAT return at the beginning, I can't see how anyone would be happy without that return!

I am JUST trying to crunch numbers on a REALISTIC level - I'd like someone else to put forward other numbers that would make this project viable as far as a DAILY OPERATIONS aspect...

As I said, I am completely behind a project like this and understand the benefits, but these developers have no real world amusement park experience - just being fed numbers from industry sales people who of course have numbers that will make it look good!

Local support for local attractions? Look at the 10 Pin Bowling alley that was here....Wanda Sue.....Widlife Park.....Laser Tag Arena...... Admittedly they are not to this scale, but that is my point about the local support. It is one thing for them to say "I WANT TO SEE THIS HERE" but a completely other for them to open up their wallets many times during the year to attend this facility.

The waterpark is going to be the cheapest component of this project to build, but the biggest draw. It's not going to take as long to pay off before profit kicks in. The money is going to be coming from the hotels, confernece centre, arena, residential, and then the waterpark (I'm talking on a yearly basis). They are leasing the land, who knows what kind of deal was made there, but I bet it was in favour of both parties, (it's only one family that owns that land).

Investors don't throw money around in times like this. Either Wittal gave one hell of a presentation to all of them, or a market analysis proved there is a need for this. I'm going to go with the latter. It's backed by six flags, I think that investor has a little amusment park experience.

..Backed by Six Flags? Where did you see this. I saw a mention of "possibly" Six Flags on the teaser piece in Kamloops' This Week the Day before the announcement - but have heard ZERO mention of it since.

Additionally, I highly doubt Six Flags would back this as they are are in serious financial troubles themselves at the moment - see http://www.thespec.com/article/529982(Stock is going to be de-listed from the NYSE and potential for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy). And do you not believe if they were involved in the project, they would insist on branding it as a Six Flags park and not "sedrics"? It's all about Market positioning.

Besides the spectacular weather we have here (most years), why would this not be put near a population base of larger proportions, so they can be guaranteed a instant HUGE customer base?

I am entirely being devils advocate and trying to see the business sense in this. I am a successful business owner of a medium sized company so I am not a couch-speculator!


The waterpark is going to be the cheapest component of this project to build, but the biggest draw. It's not going to take as long to pay off before profit kicks in. The money is going to be coming from the hotels, confernece centre, arena, residential, and then the waterpark (I'm talking on a yearly basis). They are leasing the land, who knows what kind of deal was made there, but I bet it was in favour of both parties, (it's only one family that owns that land).

Investors don't throw money around in times like this. Either Wittal gave one hell of a presentation to all of them, or a market analysis proved there is a need for this. I'm going to go with the latter. It's backed by six flags, I think that investor has a little amusment park experience.

vancouver is only a 3 hour drive on the freeway. we sort of do have a huge customer base in that sense.

you could never build this there because of the weather.

and just speculating as to how much ticket prices would be, well how much is a ski pass for sun peaks?

That's actually quite cool... when will this be complete?

Apparently 5 years, but the water park portion is supposed to be completed by next summer.

Ski passes are like 80.00$ at the cheap end. ( per day )
We have B.C. Alberta , SASK. Washington , Montana and Idaho to draw from.
Thats a population of : 17,501,665 people. Are park would be cost effective for EVERYONE in this area to visit instead of going to Florida. Where a 2 day package at Disney World will cost 256.00$ per person , getting to stay in a hotel ( not included ), plus food ( not included ) , plus flight ( not included ) and so on. Same can be said about California disney Land. We are with in driving distance from all the places mentioned above, and our hotels will be cheaper to Americans and food cost as well. PLUS we are safer then all those places ( good for Ned Flanders type's )

When is construction to start? And will Mobiles be moved away?

thank you for making an extremely strong point.

$80 for a day at sun peaks? heh, when i asked myself what i expected a day at Sedric's to cost, my mind told me probably $80 would be reasonable for an all access pass.

looks like the park will border the mobile home park. i havent seen anything saying the trailer park was involved in the lease of land to Sedrics.

the people who own those trailers stand to cash in HUGE.

Well YKA, I think the confusion about Six Flags may come from the fact that the designer of Sedric's, a dude named Geoff Chutter from Whitewater West in Richmond has also designed parks for Six Flags, along with Disney, Universal Studios, Seaworld and Knott's Berry Farm.

Also, an interesting statistic that came from the mouth of Doug Wittal, apparently an estimated 10 million cars pass through Kamloops per year. That's a staggering amount of tourist traffic and tourism dollars passing through our community, and in our discussions we don't take into account that to drive to Vancouver from anywhere in Canada you have to pass through Kamloops. In 2010 people will see the park on their way through and some will decide to make it their 2011 holiday, and so on. If even 1% return to Sedric's that's 100,000 cars, so that could be 200,000-300,000 people.

I don't know, I was bored so I decided to overlay that park image onto a pic of the area to see how it looked. Also, it's going to be an exciting time for property owners and the KIB in the blue area as well, that's a lot of developmental room. Also, something I didn't think of but may be an appealing draw for some, with the increased activity in the summer I can see the horse racetrack being renovated and upgraded as an extra attraction.
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3206/sedrics.jpg

WOW !!!! good job man!!

Wonderland in Ontario, which contains a huge waterpark, has had revenue woes in recent years, and that's with a huge theme park included in the price of admission and not only a draw of 4+ million people in the GTA but also tourists from all of southern Ontario. Weather is also a limiting factor with outdoor waterpark attendance, and even Kamloops' hot summers will be impacted by this.

In my opinion this sounded like a great idea, but upon closer reflection it does seem to be a bit underwhelming. I'm sure for 3-4 months it would do steady business, and it makes for a natural stop from Vancouver-Calgary for tourists. Locals will go if a reasonably priced season's pass is available. But to become an international, or even national, tourist destination it would have to have more - shopping, rides.... something more along the lines of West Edmonton Mall, and more indoor oriented. I'd love to see it work, because Kamloops does lack tourist attractions of this type, but I don't think their current model is truly viable in the long-term.

in my opinion Kamloops is the perfect central location for this project (I guess that living just a stone's throw from the location has a bit to do with it)...in these recession times.... growth = jobs jobs= growth....yes I'm a millwright working in the wood industry affected by the recession and bug kill.....1500 hundred jobs has a direct impact on the economy on many levels.....so I support this project 150%

Well a project like this will sure bring in new people. Not a lot of people know of Kamloops, and even if they know, they don't see it as a nice place to stop and visit: rather just pass by. I'm sure this will help change Kamloops overall image and impressions of the city.

Very ambitious project! Looking at our population base most people instantly asume it would be hard to keep open. BUT then again a lot of people didn't think Sun Peaks would fly either. I was just up there this weekend and saw a parking lot full of Washington State, Alberta, Idaho, and even California plates.

First off Location is key!

Almost anybody driving from Alberta heading to Vancouver comes thru Kamloops. Not going to be very hard to convince dad to stop when it's 100 degrees and the kids are screaming in the car.

There is a lot of very good reasons why this will work!

Anyway you slice it this is huge for Kamloops.

...a 3-4 month tourist attraction will NOT be viable.. especially an attraction this size. They need to have a much bigger concept if they are looking for it to be a tourist "destination".

Sun Peaks MAY have had a lot of people form California, etc, but look at sun peaks in Nov-January - a GHOST town due to crappy weather! This is the rality this park faces and it is not a gamble, if I was a significant investor would take - UNLESS the whole this was indoors with a glass roof or something like that - sure our weather is spectacular and perfect 2 months of the year for a water park, but the other 10 months - not so much.

I am still a skeptic of its viability - however I am a big backer of the rest of the project.

According to the Weather Network website from April 21st to September 21st the average daytime temperature is no lower than 20 degrees celsius. High's of 28 degress starting in April and continuing until the end of september.

That isn't exact. I just checked the historical info on the website for April and September. So they are really looking at more of a 5 month season and not 2.

If this were to be only a waterpark, than yes, it might be a little questionable on whether or not it would survive. The fact that it will have people living there, hotels, convention space (desperatly needed in the southern interior) and an indoor waterpark it will bring revenue all year round. I'm sure the investors know how many months it will be able to stay open for. No question that this will do good.

(YKA. You obviously don't go to Sun Peaks because Dec and Jan are the busiest times up their and has the best weather. I have no idea what your talking about GHOST town and crappy weather. Hate to nit pick your point, but that is is just completely wrong)

Regarding the weather at Sun Peaks in Dec and part of January I meant THIS season (my mistake for not clarifying - it was late and a LONG DAY!). I know for a fact as I was up there several times both staying at the Delta and just on day trips skiing. My point was the weather (especially in recent years) is NOT as reliably hot (or snowy and mild) in the seasons you expect it to be - therefore, predicting that the two months that this park will most heavily be used -assuming good hot weather-- will be HOT AND DRY is a gamble at best and could pose disastrous results.

I know I am sounding very negative about the prospects of this, but I am honestly just looking at this from a business and practical standpoint - being devils advocate.

As a business owner in Kamloops, that would benefit from this park considerably and associated tourist visits, I am *HOPING* for success, but extremely skeptical of the concept AS IT STANDS, not that my opinions matters in the whole scheme of things!

If this were to be only a waterpark, than yes, it might be a little questionable on whether or not it would survive. The fact that it will have people living there, hotels, convention space (desperatly needed in the southern interior) and an indoor waterpark it will bring revenue all year round. I'm sure the investors know how many months it will be able to stay open for. No question that this will do good.

(YKA. You obviously don't go to Sun Peaks because Dec and Jan are the busiest times up their and has the best weather. I have no idea what your talking about GHOST town and crappy weather. Hate to nit pick your point, but that is is just completely wrong)

As a business owner in Kamloops, that would benefit from this park considerably and associated tourist visits, I am *HOPING* for success, but extremely skeptical of the concept AS IT STANDS, not that my opinions matters in the whole scheme of things!

I too am hoping for this project to materialize and become a realilty but I can't help being a little bit sceptical about it.

With no disrepect intended to Doug Wittal... I think I would have been more convinced if this project was masterminded and speerheaded by someone far more influential in the business world. Does anyone else feel that way?

But I'm hoping all my worries will amount to nothing and this project will go ahead and add another reason why people should visit or even stop in Kamloops while passing thru our city.

When people hear of a place like this , they ( In Canada ) will think of one thing. " Hey I dont have a passport and I want to go to a HOT desert climate and play in water slide parks and go to Champion golf courses. I want to go to a place where I can bet 2 out of 3 days will be great from mid March to the end of October. I want to mountain climb admits castus and enjoy free out door concerts. I dont want to go to go to the U.S." ...

"But I can go to Kamloops."

:cheers: Have you been drinking Rhino!

When people hear of a place like this , they ( In Canada ) will think of one thing. " Hey I dont have a passport and I want to go to a HOT desert climate and play in water slide parks and go to Champion golf courses. I want to go to a place where I can bet 2 out of 3 days will be great from mid March to the end of October. I want to mountain climb admits castus and enjoy free out door concerts. I dont want to go to go to the U.S." ...

"But I can go to Kamloops."

:cheers: Have you been drinking Rhino!

i can almost assure you he was, hahhah.

maybe I was and maybe I wasnt but I know where you hat is now dont I ...
( slips falls laughs ).

looks good

I was watching a show on discovery or one of those channels and the one company that designs and builds some of the best in the USA and in the world is BC based - yet they haven't done any parks here

http://www.sedrics.com/images/Header.png

http://sedrics.com/images/pic9.jpghttp://sedrics.com/images/pic10.jpg
http://sedrics.com/images/pic11.jpghttp://sedrics.com/images/pic12.jpg
http://sedrics.com/images/pic4.jpghttp://sedrics.com/images/pic5.jpg

Sedric's Highlights
http://sedrics.com/sitemap.pdf
Resort Size: 45 Acres
Location: Highway #5 and Mount Paul Way – Kamloops B.C.

Resort Elements: East End of Site

Marquee Hotel: “A “True” Landmark Hotel for the City of Kamloops” designed by the award winning Canadian Architect Nick Milkovich

300 Guest Rooms, complete with 20,000 - 25,000 sq ft Indoor Water Park
100 Rooms – TRU - Student Housing – which will house 200 +/- Students

Convention Center: 800 -1000 Delegate Capacity
The capacity will position the convention centre well in the regional and western Canada’s convention market. The estimated economic impact to the local economy is $80M annually

Multi–Plex: – 2500 to 3000 seat capacity
Ice Surface / Convention / Trade Show Space / Concerts
The only facility of its kind in Canada with a Retractable Roof
The grounds around the hotel, convention center and multi-plex focus on a 150 foot – Liquid Fireworks Fountain. Designed and built by Waltzing Waters Inc. of Florida. Waltzing Waters has designed and installed fountains at famous landmarks and destinations throughout the world.

Commercial Development Zone – West End of Site

100 - 150 Room – Value Added Hotel and Family Restaurant

2 - Drive - Through Restaurants

1 - 12,000 sqft Commercial Office and Retail Building


Sedric’s Adventure Resort & Theme Park


The “key” element, which is the “anchor” for Sedric’s is a 17 Acre Premier Water Park – Sedric’s Adventure Resort & Theme Park
The Park has: Maximum Daily Capacity: 8,531 guests, featuring the best wet rides in the world

It’s a “High–Tech” park. A brief example of the technology that is being incorporated into the operations of the park is that it will be “wallet free” environment – whereby guests will receive a wristband that they can use to purchase items, access lockers and hotel rooms simply by scanning of the wristband

The park’s rides and design features are being produced by the #1 company in the world in the water park industry; WhiteWater West, a B.C. company
The park has a construction cost of approximately $30M

Anticipated Annual Attendance: 455K guest visits per year
This is according to 3rd party, creditable data, represents only 10% of the available market. This market already exists. We are simply providing a product that those visitors to our region are asking for
Sedric’s Adventure has a 5 Year “Build Out”

Its master plan is structured on 5 phases and represents over $130M in investment and construction
Sedric’s Adventure and Terasen Gas has signed an agreement that would see Terasen develop energy from alternative sources, such as solar and geo-thermal

We have the goal of making Sedric’s Adventure the most “Environmentally Friendly” resort in North America

This is an excellent opportunity for First Nations and the Kamloops community as a whole in regards to employment, it is estimated that in the high season we will need 1000 – 1500 employees.


Opening Date - Late Spring 2010 – Sedric’s Aquatic Adventure (Water Park)

Ww.. So much fan fare.. and now nothing! We hear NOTHING about it?

Anyone with their ears to the ground hear any peeps?

The site doesn't appear to have been touched, no site markings or anything... unless a WHOLE lot is going to happen in a rapid time, how can this open before the spring of 2010?!

i haven't heard anything about it in almost 2 weeks now, im starting to wonder if something amazing like that will ever come to kamloops.
the economy is in the toilet, people are loosing jobs, and theres next to nothing for work in this city, im on the verge of moving back to edmonton if it doesn't pick up soon.

..still not a peep in the media or anything happening at the site. No site markings, property markings or anything.

A lot of work still needs to be done to get this site done in time for opening spring 2010...

god damn i saw this was highlighted and i thought maybe, just maybe there was some good news about it. Eff you YKA:cheers::lol:

god damn i saw this was highlighted and i thought maybe, just maybe there was some good news about it. Eff you YKA:cheers::lol:

i thought the same also, and yeah its been pretty dead, my fingers are still crossed though..

HA!:cheers: At least it got you guys excited for a few minutes! Beer sounds good to me in the meantime!

Yeah because that's all this is becoming is a wasted dream

Are you guys kidding? Maybe it's the extra sulfur dioxide in the air from that foul pulp mill but I swear people from this community are some of the most negative and pessimistically short-sighted people I've ever come across. Just because something isn't in the forefront every single day doesn't mean that nothing is happening. Just be patient knowing that this development is floating through the city bureaucracy. I know it's how we're programmed, but you can't always just expect immediate results and get sullen and demoralized when it doesn't happen instantly.

Okay so Ive found something out.

Thats right me ... RHINO bwaa ha ha ha .

Anyways , so what Ive found out is there is a meeting set up with the folks from Sedrics and, ( TA-DA ) Walmart . Walmart believes that a project of this size wouldnbt be complete with out a SUPER CENTRE next door. This walmart will be roughly 150% of the size of our curent walmart. Thats why little has been said and things look quite.

Finally the second walmart rumors are confirmed.

Are you guys kidding? Maybe it's the extra sulfur dioxide in the air from that foul pulp mill but I swear people from this community are some of the most negative and pessimistically short-sighted people I've ever come across. Just because something isn't in the forefront every single day doesn't mean that nothing is happening. Just be patient knowing that this development is floating through the city bureaucracy. I know it's how we're programmed, but you can't always just expect immediate results and get sullen and demoralized when it doesn't happen instantly.
Im not a negative person, I have just lived in this town long enough to know better.

I HOPE I'm wrong though.

So does this mean we have to wait for a second Wal Mart to get approved first now too?

Im honestly not sure, but the Walmart would be on Indan land anyways, so no waiting.

I have a friend that works for a construction company in town, and last night I was talking to him and he said that it is getting built, and construction will start very soon.

Are you guys kidding? Maybe it's the extra sulfur dioxide in the air from that foul pulp mill but I swear people from this community are some of the most negative and pessimistically short-sighted people I've ever come across. Just because something isn't in the forefront every single day doesn't mean that nothing is happening. Just be patient knowing that this development is floating through the city bureaucracy. I know it's how we're programmed, but you can't always just expect immediate results and get sullen and demoralized when it doesn't happen instantly.

It's because, yanking the publics chain seems to be the local sport in Kamloops.

Things always get announced then forgotten, built late or never built.

List includes Spirit Square, Tranquille Resort, Gaglardi's hotel, downtown parkade, etc, etc. etc.

...via RadioNL website"
Doug Wittal says organization work behind water park construction delay."

It sounds like its going to be another month and a half to 2 months before a shovel hits the ground. The good news is that it still plans to open by next June.

Well if they keep delaying it, it won't be open by next june.

..I believe there is trouble in that organization... the day before this, Thomas Aubrey was just saying how everything is on track and they are just "figuring out all the pipes" and that it will take no time at all to get everything built.

How technical...

Just seems one half of the equation is not saying the same story as the other....

How is it possible they can have all the infrastructure in the ground and everything above ground in that short of a time period?

If money and financing were not an issue, why would it be taking this long? Wouldn't you have thought they would have thrown a nice wad at it for the initial planning beforehand and right now to ensure the shovels were in the ground so they could make their completion date by spring?

There still has been NOTHING done to the site - no property markers on anything...

I think there is trouble in paradise......call me a skeptic and negative, but nothing positive is being announced nor being produced as for progress yet... time will tell!

I think it was a publicity stunt by D-W builders to draw attention to them selves. A project like this usually would be handeled by a much larger firm.

Sedric’s will make a splash

Thomas Aubrey understands the naysayers.

As a partner in a group trying to bring the biggest development in the city’s history to Kamloops, he’s certainly heard the whispers of doubt.

And Aubrey, a longtime River City resident, has seen his fair share of pie-in the-sky projects come and go.

But he’s confident his baby, Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park, won’t end up in the dust bin of ideas.

It’s been two months since the mammoth project was announced and Aubrey insists the development is right on track.

“Everything is coming along at the stage it should be in,” he told KTW.

In the last two months, Aubrey noted, the group has been working through the process of acquiring the land, getting its funding in place and completing engineering work.

Construction on the water-park phase is still expected to begin this summer, with opening pegged for 2010.

Since the park is being built in stages, Aubrey said complete financing for the project isn’t necessary.

The $250-million-plus theme park, which will eventually sprawl across 45 acres on the south side of Highway 5 — across from Sun Rivers — will offer a water park with a hotel, arena, commercial space and conference centre.

Aubrey, along with partner Doug Wittal of DW Builders, are leading the development.

The first phase is a 12-acre water park that will have capacity for 8,000 people per day, boasting wave pools, thrill rides, tube rides, a lazy river and children’s rides.

As for where the park will get its H20, Aubrey said the group is working out a deal with the Kamloops Indian Band (KIB) to supply the water.

He suggested in these environmentally sensitive times, Sedric’s won’t be wasteful like some older water parks.

“Every drop of water we can hang on to and recycle, we do that,” Aubrey said.

He and the KIB have also been inundated with applications from subcontractors and people looking for work since the announcement.

He said the groups are not yet accepting, but will be hosting a job fair as the opening date draws near.

While Aubrey admits there have been a few hiccups so far, he said progress on the park has gone better than he could have expected.

from what i understand, the main ivestor in this project hasen't even purchased the land yet, apparently he hasen't recieved all the money from his other investors.
oh and dw builders just laid off 20 people.

Told ya so...

You'd better hope you're right, Quimby, or YOU will look like the fool.

Oh it may go up within the next 5 years, along with the downtown hotel and parking garage. :lol:

You'd better hope you're right, Quimby, or YOU will look like the fool.

I will look like a fool, along with:

I think it was a publicity stunt by D-W builders to draw attention to them selves. A project like this usually would be handeled by a much larger firm.

and...

..I believe there is trouble in that organization... the day before this, Thomas Aubrey was just saying how everything is on track and they are just "figuring out all the pipes" and that it will take no time at all to get everything built.

How technical...

Just seems one half of the equation is not saying the same story as the other....

How is it possible they can have all the infrastructure in the ground and everything above ground in that short of a time period?

If money and financing were not an issue, why would it be taking this long? Wouldn't you have thought they would have thrown a nice wad at it for the initial planning beforehand and right now to ensure the shovels were in the ground so they could make their completion date by spring?

There still has been NOTHING done to the site - no property markers on anything...

I think there is trouble in paradise......call me a skeptic and negative, but nothing positive is being announced nor being produced as for progress yet... time will tell!

and..

Yeah because that's all this is becoming is a wasted dream

That post will not make me look like a fool if it does get built. All my other posts tho, on the other hand will if it doesnt! lol

That post will not make me look like a fool if it does get built. All my other posts tho, on the other hand will if it doesnt! lol

How do you figure?

oh and i heard all this from a supervisor i know who works at dw.
i have a feeling.

Starting to get too personal. Enough.

Starting to get too personal. Enough.

In which manner, if you don't mind showing me?

..you heard what from the supervisor at DW? About the layoffs of something about Sedrics?

In which manner, if you don't mind showing me?

Posts 67, 68, 70-72. Anymore questions?

Posts 67, 68, 70-72. Anymore questions?

Yes

#67-Told ya so...

-How does reaffirming one's position meet the criteria as personal?

#68-You'd better hope you're right, Quimby, or YOU will look like the fool.

- Here is an example of personal, the poster calls out a name and then uses a pejorative term that could be deemed an insult.

#70- I will look like a fool, along with:



and...



and..

-This comment is merely showing others that have stated their concern over the development.

#71- That post will not make me look like a fool if it does get built. All my other posts tho, on the other hand will if it doesnt! lol

-Though hypocritical, I wouldn't call it personal.

#72-How do you figure?

- I am at a loss to understand, how asking for a clarification is "getting personal".

Thanks for allowing further questions.

..you heard what from the supervisor at DW? About the layoffs of something about Sedrics?

i heard from the supervisor that dw laid off 20 people so far this year, and that the major investor in sedric's water park hasen't even purchased the land yet and hasen't even received all the money to go towards the park from his other investors.

#67-

-How does reaffirming one's position meet the criteria as personal?

Obviously there are other ways in doing so. I'm pretty sure you are smart enough to know.


#68-

- Here is an example of personal, the poster calls out a name and then uses a pejorative term that could be deemed an insult.

I wouldn't say anything if I were you. Either way, my warning was for everyone and specifically for you. So why are you getting so defensive?

#70-

-This comment is merely showing others that have stated their concern over the development.

That could be a theoretical purpose of the message, but simply fuels the fire of a dispute.

#71-

-Though hypocritical, I wouldn't call it personal.

I don't care whether you think it's personal or not as long as I, along with the administrators of SSC, believe so.

#72-

- I am at a loss to understand, how asking for a clarification is "getting personal".

See response for #67.

Also, be sure to see this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=885534&page=4

I don't care whether you think it's personal or not as long as I, along with the administrators of SSC, believe so.


Yes. My father, that beat and raped us, used this same type of answer to rationalize his behaviour.

The old because I said so, always used when one has used reason,logic and facts to back up an opinion.

hmmm... finally his words got him banned... good riddance.

all's fair in love and war.

So... back to whats at hand.

so at the sedrric's site they have stated they are finalizing plans to begin construction !!!

A new little bit of info I was told about ...

The abbotsford heat is a new AHL team in B.C.

The New Arena being built at Sedrics will be up to par to hold an AHL team.
Winnipeg is trying to get an NHL team. The Canucks would need to relocate their AHL team. Kamloops would be a probable location.

^^ Stick it in Red Deer and call it the "Canuckleheads."

..wow...but 3 hockey teams? I hope that wouldn't spell the ned of the Kamloops Storm here.

Are your sources close to the ground Rhino or is this just all hear-say?

Well, that would be a lot of options for the hockey fan. An AHL team, the Blazers, the TRU university hockey team that's being formed and the Storm. I wonder if there would be the support available?

Well, that would be a lot of options for the hockey fan. An AHL team, the Blazers, the TRU university hockey team that's being formed and the Storm. I wonder if there would be the support available?

Kamloops getting an AHL team LOL. Not anytime soon! We would have to get that new arena and experience a population boom first.

I wouldn't even want to see that pulled on the Blazers. Kamloops can hardley support both the Storm and the Blazers.

Would be nice to see TRU put together a top notch hockey program! They could play out of Wittals pipe dream arena!

wittals pipe dream arena eh? hahha, thats exactly what im thinking too.

wittals pipe dream arena eh? hahha, thats exactly what im thinking too.

I'd love to see this project move forward but there is no chance they open this up next summer! It'll take atleast half a year to get the site prep done with services. Ministry of Highways will have to approve any changes to traffic pattern on the Yellowhead highway. I'm sure an application will need to be put together and will take some time for studies etc.

If this opens next summer all we'll see is some blacktop slapped down and something similar to the old Kamloops Water Slides.

I think the cart got ahead of the horse on this project!

Yeah , I hate to admit it , but I doubt this will ever see the light of day. But even a smaller version of it would still be cool.

like i said, the main investor hasen't purchased the land yet, and maybe half of the other investors have put money towards this project, and from what i heard dw has built next to nothing for new homes this year, and laid around 20 people off. all he has for work right now is renovations and some new houses out by the airport.

like i said, the main investor hasen't purchased the land yet, and maybe half of the other investors have put money towards this project, and from what i heard dw has built next to nothing for new homes this year, and laid around 20 people off. all he has for work right now is renovations and some new houses out by the airport.

I know I was out by the airport and DW has a house half framed and it's been sitting there for a few months! Plus the one he has for sale has weeds all around it.
In regards to Sedrics the only way it'll work is if its over the top! If they do a half ass project it'll fail for sure!

that developement dw had going out by the airport was supposed to be huge, he even had a site office set up for it. i had no idea he left a house half framed, thats saying something.

heres something to take into consideration, sedric isn't even on this list of water parks, yet theres 2 or 3 others that are planned for 2010 on this list....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_waterparks#Canada

What a load.. this is going to piss of a lot of locals if this doesn`t get built.

It is now, and right on top of the list :) Anyone can edit that list so feel free to edit and add more information to Sedrics :)

heres something to take into consideration, sedric isn't even on this list of water parks, yet theres 2 or 3 others that are planned for 2010 on this list....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_waterparks#Canada

...Bet you thought this was going to be somethign juicy and salacious!

NOPE!

Anyone have any other word? No way this will be done by late-spring 2010. Wonder if DW and the other guy are thinking up more excuses and reasons why this project has stalled... Maybe the "pipes" are backordered....:nuts:

17-acre water park — the largest in Canada and the eighth-largest in North America.

WOW!!

Kamloops This Week
WILL SEDRIC SURFACE? Questions surround water-park proposal

By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week

More than three months after the splashy announcement that Kamloops will be the future home of a $250-million resort and water theme park, rumours and questions continue to dog the proposal.

The main players behind the megaproject said ground would be broken this summer and the water park completed by 2010 — but the first target now seems unlikely.

While some design work on the proposed Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park appears to have started, KTW has learned no permits have been applied for or approved, the land to be used has not been purchased by the proponents and details regarding leasing the land are still being worked out.

One of the partners in the development has also confirmed to KTW the group has applied for federal funding for the construction of the water-park portion of the project.

Doug Wittal, of DW Builders, one of the lead partners in the project, said the group still has millions committed from investors, but decided to ask Ottawa for a hand because it will save the development millions of dollars in interest.

But, he suggested, it could be weeks before it is known whether the application, through Western Economic Diversification, will be approved.

“The plan is still to have it completed next summer,” Wittal said of the water park.

“In saying that, we’re at the mercy of various government funding.”

When questioned whether construction will begin sometime this summer as planned, Wittal replied: “It’s a hard thing to answer right now.”

The plan is for a Western-style theme park, which will sprawl across 45 acres on the south side of Highway 5 — across from Sun Rivers — that, when complete, will offer a water park with a hotel, arena, commercial space and conference centre.

The group has always contended the conference centre and arena portion would be completed in subsequent years.

Wittal said the group has already completed some surveying and an environmental-impact study on the land and is now in the process of negotiating a long-term lease with the property’s owner.

However, if and when the lease is signed, the process is far from over.

The property is located on Kamloops Indian Band (KIB) land and is designated as what is called locatee.

If the lease is for longer than 25 years, the proponent must send an application to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), which has its own standard policies and practices.

Those include getting consent from the locatee (landowner) and approval from the band’s council.

From there, a whole host of other requirements may be needed, from surveys to environmental assessments.

However, if the lease for is less than 25 years, the development could be dealt with solely by the Kamloops Indian Band.

A spokesperson with INAC told KTW no application for a water-themed park on KIB land has come its way.

For its part, the KIB said it’s very supportive of Sedric’s, but also maintained the band isn’t directly involved with the investor.

KIB Chief Shane Gottfriedson said some movement on the project had started, but he wasn’t in a position to talk about what the developer has done.

“Where they are on the administrative side of things, I don’t know where they are, to be honest,” he said.

“All I can tell you is, I’m in support of the development and I want to see the development move forward.”

Gottfriedson noted the group will have to work with the KIB at some point during the process.

WhiteWater West, the Richmond-based company expected to build the water slides, said it has done some conceptual designs for the park, but has yet to sign a contract with the Sedric’s group.

WhiteWater West CEO, Geoff Chutter told KTW he expects contracts to be signed by the end of July.

“As far we know, things are moving ahead positively,” he said.

Chutter noted any hard engineering work wouldn’t be started until the contracts are signed.

Meanwhile, the architect firm enlisted to design the park, Nick Milkovich Architects Inc. of Vancouver, would not comment on its involvement, referring comment to the Sedric’s group.

Wittal has heard rumours around town that the project will never be realized, rumours he dismisses.

Instead, Wittal said he’s been getting non-stop interest on the other components of development, including the ice rink and convention centre.

He noted two large parties are involved in discussions, but wouldn’t disclose any names.

“We know where everything is,” Wittal said.

“We’re not waffling at the idea. We’re just waiting for cheaper money.”

When questioned why he or the group will not disclose the identities of the project’s financial backers, he responded: “That’s up to me who I want to divulge.

“If I’m borrowing $50 million and I have terms of references of payback, I don’t have to disclose that to anybody.”

I'm a fellow Kamloops resident and I'm all for the waterpark if DW can do a world class job of it. I hope they've done their homework for the stats they've provided. The impact on traffic flow will be substantial as well - most of the traffic will likely come from the northbound Yellowhead and anyone who is familiar with the area should know that this will pose some serious challenges - particularly at the Mount Paul Way intersection.

The idea of it opening in 2010 is increasingly unlikely unless they begin breaking ground soon. I am familiar with how things work on Band land and there is a lot of red tape to get through. The fact that the land is privately owned by band members only adds another dynamic. It will have to go through INAC (Indian Affairs) and we all know how slowly the bureaucratic wheels can turn.

I'm not a pessimist - just a realist. I do hope that it does come together, but the fact that Doug is seeking financial aid from the feds only reinforces that his financing sources are not as sure as he initially led us to believe. Nonetheless, I hope it works.

I heard they're planning on constructing a new intersection, between MT Paul way and Old Shuswap Rd. Which will ease traffic on MT Paul way, but you can guarantee during summer months the new intersection will be hell, assuming it does get built... I am starting to become pessimistic about this whole thing, it sounds like Doug's got some big shoes to fill, and I don't know if his feet are the right size just yet...

That line from the latest news paper article says it all!

A 250 million project is on hold because they need to see if they can get the government to pitch in.

LOL what a joke!

I cant see this ever seeing the light of day. Not after the mention of government money.

My thoughts exactly.... a complete joke... his initial announcements were that all the funding was in place.. no mention of government funding...

back peddle back peddle!

..What irks me, is the seeming pompousnous that Wittal had going in. If it comes true, good on him, but if it doesn't he will have certainly a lot of egg to clear of his reputation and name.. I guess this is just typical of most developers though right? Make an announcement....hope like hell there is a lot of interest.. and see where it goes....

only difference here is he said all the financial backing was already in place!

Other guy is Thomas Aubrey... any word on this guy?


I cant see this ever seeing the light of day. Not after the mention of government money.

My thoughts exactly.... a complete joke... his initial announcements were that all the funding was in place.. no mention of government funding...

back peddle back peddle!

..What irks me, is the seeming pompousnous that Wittal had going in. If it comes true, good on him, but if it doesn't he will have certainly a lot of egg to clear of his reputation and name.. I guess this is just typical of most developers though right?


if he looses some reputation then contractors like me get more more work:)

i hear this is a no go for sure this year, and maybe even next year. rather unfortunate i had a feeling from the start..

The Sedrics website is still up and has not been changed since it first went up online. Interestingly enough, in their links section, they have all their partners listed but I don't see the Kamloops Indian band listed.

As for federal funding, the feds recently announced that the The Vancouver Island Mountain Sports Society will receive $795,000 to create the Vancouver Island Mountain Sports Centre at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. The federal government, through the Economic Action Plan, is providing, targeted stimulus to western Canadian communities, helping reduce the impacts of the global recession. The Community Adjustment Fund is a two-year, $1-billion investment in local economies throughout Canada to create jobs and maintain employment in our communities.

So maybe Sedrics still might get lucky and get some funding from the feds.

..funny how this project went to being a fully funded sure thing..to now having a glimmer of hope based on some recession fund. All in a matter of months from its original grand announcements!

...Funny anecdote when Wittal originally bragged also about "not taking part in the recession".

Hopefully if the project gets going it isn;t as much of a laughing stock as the announcements and everything leading up to this point!

They never should have announced anything to do with this in the first place.
Once the money was in place, then say something.

The Big Hotel is supposed to designed by the award winning Canadian Architect Nick Milkovich.

Some of his projects are as follows:

Edmonton Art Gallery
http://www.nesw.ca/studiosavant/uploaded_images/AGAbuilding-726247.jpg

RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina

http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0002/u00001191/i00303207/517f08558227b879e0e57b14d9a061be_large.jpg


The Erickson in Vancouver

http://www.planetizen.com/files/u10088/The_Erickson_Under_Construction2.jpg


The Water Fall Building in Vancouver

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2616975946_a969847f31.jpg?v=1214602763



End result is that " IF BUILT " this Hotel will be beautiful and be made of a lot of glass.

I was always wondering how $200 million would build all that? 2 hotels, a theme park, convention center, a retractable roof arena and an indoor waterpark. $200 million seems enough for the Indoor and outdoor waterpark and a convention center, but not 2 hotels etc etc

it doesn't add up, like ive been hearing, its a publicity stunt for dw, he says hes not taking part in the recession, yet he has like 3 houses sitting out at the airport that aren't even past the framing stage fully. he laid off a shit ton of people and now hes only relying on renos to keep things going.

By CAM FORTEMS
Daily News Staff Reporter

September 3, 2009

Kamloops – Work on a proposed water-themed resort has slowed to a trickle while the developer awaits word on a federal government loan.

But Doug Wittal pledged the project will proceed, with or without federal loans, and that his skeptics will be silenced when the project gets off the ground.

“I don’t give a hoot,” Wittal said of doubts the project can proceed in tight-money recessionary times. “The project is going ahead.”

Wittal confidently proclaimed this year at a splashy press introduction his construction firm “was never participating in the recession.”

But reality has hit the construction industry in B.C., which is suffering from a downturn in the residential building market.

So far that downturn has not resulted in any local projects being halted midstream. But no significant development that wasn’t already on the books has started up.

The estimated $250-million project, called Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park, includes plans for a water park, 800-seat convention centre, hotel and arena.

Wittal pledged he still has the same investment money available as he did when the project was announced in June. But the promise of zero-interest financing from Western Economic Diversification couldn’t be ignored.

“Definitely what caught us by surprise – we have our money lined up, the same money lined up – but other opportunities came our way.”

Wittal said his project fits criteria from the Western Economic Diversification program, including its emphasis on long-term job creation through as many as 1,500 jobs at the peak. He said the project is also “shovel ready.”

Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod confirmed Wittal has applied for $17 milion in funding under the $1 billion community adjustment fund. Of the $128 million going to projects in B.C., about $30 million has already been committed, she said.

The review by the government agency is nearly complete, said McLeod, who expects announcements this year.

“Generally I support Sedric’s. Specifically, as far as support for specific projects, I don’t do that for any.”

The only opportunity for McLeod to lobby for the project is if officials with Western Economic Diversification come to her after their own review and ask for her priorities in the region, for example.

“I’d love to see it go through,” she said of Wittal’s project. “How it should be funded is still up in the air.”

The parcel on Highway 5N is still under a leasing option with a band member who has rights to the property, said Kamloops Indian Band chief Shane Gottfriedson.

“We have a development approval process where there’s requirements to follow,” he said. “There’s an environmental impact study, cultural heritage study and, of course, legal surveys.”

But Gottfriedson said he has no specific information on what background work has been completed for Sedric’s.

Wittal said he has negotiated an agreement with the band member who has rights on the property.

Thomas Aubrey, lead consultant on the project, said while the project was slated to be under construction this summer, activity is going on with planning and engineering.

“I don’t think we’re delayed. We’re well within our window,” Aubrey said. “We’re still shooting for 2010. That’s still the picture.”

He said the project is currently awaiting an environmental assessment by Golder Association and is preparing for an archeological survey of the 18-hectare parcel across from Sun Rivers.

RRRRIIIIIIGGGHHHHTTTTT!!!

...and everything they said that was supposed to happen this year... not a single piece of dirt was touched on that site!

.. Archaeological survey being prepared for it....this is going to take YEARS just to get to the point where a shovel can hit the ground! Can you imagine if they find a *shudder* bone on the site! What a *perfect* stall tactic...

I'm sorry if I am so skeptical, but Wittal is a joke.

He has no financing lined up... Why does everyone apparently involved as a 3rd party have little or no idea what is going on, other than what they hear in the media?!?!



By CAM FORTEMS
Daily News Staff Reporter

September 3, 2009

Kamloops – Work on a proposed water-themed resort has slowed to a trickle while the developer awaits word on a federal government loan.

But Doug Wittal pledged the project will proceed, with or without federal loans, and that his skeptics will be silenced when the project gets off the ground.

“I don’t give a hoot,” Wittal said of doubts the project can proceed in tight-money recessionary times. “The project is going ahead.”

Wittal confidently proclaimed this year at a splashy press introduction his construction firm “was never participating in the recession.”

But reality has hit the construction industry in B.C., which is suffering from a downturn in the residential building market.

So far that downturn has not resulted in any local projects being halted midstream. But no significant development that wasn’t already on the books has started up.

The estimated $250-million project, called Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park, includes plans for a water park, 800-seat convention centre, hotel and arena.

Wittal pledged he still has the same investment money available as he did when the project was announced in June. But the promise of zero-interest financing from Western Economic Diversification couldn’t be ignored.

“Definitely what caught us by surprise – we have our money lined up, the same money lined up – but other opportunities came our way.”

Wittal said his project fits criteria from the Western Economic Diversification program, including its emphasis on long-term job creation through as many as 1,500 jobs at the peak. He said the project is also “shovel ready.”

Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod confirmed Wittal has applied for $17 milion in funding under the $1 billion community adjustment fund. Of the $128 million going to projects in B.C., about $30 million has already been committed, she said.

The review by the government agency is nearly complete, said McLeod, who expects announcements this year.

“Generally I support Sedric’s. Specifically, as far as support for specific projects, I don’t do that for any.”

The only opportunity for McLeod to lobby for the project is if officials with Western Economic Diversification come to her after their own review and ask for her priorities in the region, for example.

“I’d love to see it go through,” she said of Wittal’s project. “How it should be funded is still up in the air.”

The parcel on Highway 5N is still under a leasing option with a band member who has rights to the property, said Kamloops Indian Band chief Shane Gottfriedson.

“We have a development approval process where there’s requirements to follow,” he said. “There’s an environmental impact study, cultural heritage study and, of course, legal surveys.”

But Gottfriedson said he has no specific information on what background work has been completed for Sedric’s.

Wittal said he has negotiated an agreement with the band member who has rights on the property.

Thomas Aubrey, lead consultant on the project, said while the project was slated to be under construction this summer, activity is going on with planning and engineering.

“I don’t think we’re delayed. We’re well within our window,” Aubrey said. “We’re still shooting for 2010. That’s still the picture.”

He said the project is currently awaiting an environmental assessment by Golder Association and is preparing for an archeological survey of the 18-hectare parcel across from Sun Rivers.

...just thinking also.... it the project is held up because he is awaiting $17mil why would his project not go ahead with the financing that is already "in place" and just use less of it, when that WDF comes in?

The fact that he is awaiting to hear about that fund and that is what is causing delays is definately a teeling sign of financial insecurity in my mind anyhow.

I'm sorry to be so negative, but I really just don't trust this guy - just based on my gut feeling as I don't know him personally...

I didn't see this being posted - more insight from the other guy - Thomas Aubrey:

British Columbia Lands $210M Theme Park Resort ProjectAT A TIME WHEN SOME LEISURE PROJECTS WORLDWIDE ARE EITHER DELAYED OR CANCELED ALTOGETHER, good news came recently to the region of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, in the form of a C$250 million (US$210 million) tourist resort planned for the region.

Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park will cover some 45 acres and include a 17-acre waterpark, a hotel, an arena, a conference center, and retail and commercial space. The development is expected to employ between 1,000 and 1,500 workers during the high season. DW Builders of Kamloops, British Columbia, will handle construction.

The waterpark, expected to open in late spring 2010,will be a C$30 million (US$25.1 million) project with a daily capacity of 8,531 guests and an anticipated annual attendance of 455,000. It’s described as a “high-tech” cashless park, designed By White Water West of Richmond, British Columbia.

“All of the rides, except one, will also be supplied by White Water West, and they will be top of the line,” said Thomas Aubrey, president of IR Express, a partner in the development. Aubrey told FUNWORLD the only ride not supplied by White Water West will be a Flow Rider surfing attraction, provided by Wave Loch of La Jolla, California.

The waterpark will also feature wave pools, tube rides, a lazy river, a swim-up bar, and children’s rides. There will be an 80-foot tower in which the bottom will drop out and shoot guests down on slides.

The main hotel will be designed by award-winning Canadian architect Nick Milkovich and consist of 300 guest rooms. The hotel will feature a 20,000- to 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark. Later, a 100- to 150-roomfamily hotel will be added to the resort.

The 3,000-seat arena will be an ice multiplex featuring a retractable roof and will also accommodate trade shows and concerts. The convention center will have a capacity of approximately 1,000. The grounds around the main hotel, convention center, and multiplex arena will feature a 150- foot “liquid fireworks fountain” designed and built by Waltzing Waters Inc. of Cape Coral, Florida.

Aubrey explained that Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park will be located within the Kamloops Indian Band, one of Canada’s “first nation” tribes, but the land parcels are owned by an individual.

He also said the economic downturn will allow the project’s principals to construct the resort at cheaper prices than would have been possible two or three years ago. The economic impact of Sedric’s Adventure is estimated to be C$80 million (US$67.2 million) annually

“All of the rides, except one, will also be supplied by White Water West, and they will be top of the line,” said Thomas Aubrey, president of IR Express, a partner in the development. Aubrey told FUNWORLD the only ride not supplied by White Water West will be a Flow Rider surfing attraction, provided by Wave Loch of La Jolla, California.



http://www.waveloch.com/sites/default/files/gallery1.jpg
http://www.waveloch.com/sites/default/files/imagegallery.jpghttp://www.waveloch.com/sites/default/files/imagegallery2.jpg

"People just love riding the FlowRider: jumping in on bodyboards, getting a feel for it, doing turns, wiping out, getting knocked down and getting back on again to throw spray at their friends. It takes time to get the FlowRider figured out, but just as riders are getting cocky, a newer, more powerful and more challenging ride awaits them in the form of the FlowBarrel."

from: http://www.waveloch.com/
Testimonials:

The Kelowna H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre has a Flowrider installation.

Water Park of America
The FlowRider is definitely the number one attraction at Water Park of America! We have people visiting from all over the Midwest and Canada who are coming here just to “Surf Minnesota.”
Amy Schilling, Director of Marketing & PR, Water Park of America

Alpamare Bad Tolz
Since Alpamare Bad Tolz built the first indoor FlowRider® in Europe, we have widened our capture area to 300 km more! The FlowRider® is an excellent attraction, very safe and great fun! The only problem is that all the employees are now addicted to surfing it! Many thanks to Tom Lochtefeld for his support! You all have to surf it!
Stefan Anselm, Managing Director, Alpamare Bad Tölz

City of Moses Lake, Washington
Our goal was to draw patrons from outside our community, the FlowRider has been the difference in attracting tourists.
Spencer Griggs, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Moses Lake, Washington

Man , I hope this goes through. But I still just don't see it taking place. It doesn't take $17,000,000 to start leveling the location, or start anything along these lines. And I also agree, wait until they find a bone.

I ran into a buddy on the weekend who works out of town for an excavation company. He said that he is currently working in Vernon finishing up a job and in 3 weeks they are coming to Kamloops to start on the WaterPark.

This is coming from one of the labourers so its not concrete, but it sounds promising.

wow, that would be great!!!!

Any sort of news is good.

..but how can any excavation occur if no land agreement hasn't been made yet?

No property markings have been made and there have been ZERO activity on the site!

While I am hopeful, until I see any digging, I call bull!

..but how can any excavation occur if no land agreement hasn't been made yet?

No property markings have been made and there have been ZERO activity on the site!

While I am hopeful, until I see any digging, I call bull!

^^

The land agreement is done. I know a girl that works at the KIB office and she did all the paperwork on the site and said that its already been sent to Ottawa. Apparently a 25 year lease is done and she was very optimistic that it will be built.

WHOLLY SHIT :)

Kamloops needs this!!! Most the people that have even heard of Kamloops don't really know much about us, and this will be a great driver for people to come check us out and see the wonderful climate that we have here.

I am pretty Excited for Sedricks. I love this. I am looking forward to the day that it opens.

...Heard on RadioNL This morning - the sounds of a barely-awake Doug Wittal crying about not getting the funds he applied for - which has now causes delays until next spring.

As well, the total value of the project being now pegged at $500-$600 million - when question why the huge increase from the $250-300 Million original price tag - he said property values have increased and the cost of everything going up....

Although he as firm that the shovels will be in the ground next spring and we won't see any action on the property until that time.

Honestly, he sounded like he had no idea what he was talking about - just pulling everything out of thin air...

Anyone else catch this interview? Thoughts?

This is the first time I have heard him talking about this project outside of his original announcement.

Seems like Mr. DW's reputation is quickly going down the toilet... unless he does what he has pledged to do in a hurry.

I did not hear the Radio NL interview but here is howm the Kamloops Daily News reported on this story today.

Kamloops – A developer hoping for help from the federal government on loans for his proposed water park resort complex was turned down Thursday.

Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod said she and developer Doug Wittal were notified he would not be funded under the Conservative government’s community adjustment fund.

The estimated $250-million project, called Sedric's Adventure Resort and Theme Park, includes plans for a water park, 800-seat convention centre, hotel and arena.

Wittal announced the proposal in a splashy press conference this spring but there have been no earth works on the lease land beside Highway 5N on Kamloops Indian Band reserve.

McLeod said the fund, aimed at government, non-profit and businesses, was intended to create jobs in the wake of the worldwide recession.

“It was a highly oversubscribed program,” McLeod said, adding there were more than 1,000 applications from B.C. alone.

“I know he’s disappointed. (But) he’s always indicated he did have the ability to move forward (regardless of federal money). I hope he can move forward.”

Wittal could not be reached for comment Thursday. He was seeking low- or zero-interest loans for the project.

In September Wittal said the project was delayed while he waited on word of federal funding, but pledged the money was in place to build the project regardless.

Wittal is a liar. He just does'nt want to lose business.

Wittal is a liar. He just does'nt want to lose business.

Exactly! even if he is the biggest contractor in kamloops a development like that is beyond his grasp, or should be anyways, this guy builds wood framed houses that rarely exceed $1 million in value.

He's not the biggest in town . Is he?

I feel bad for him, I think hes trying and had what he thought was a sure thing. Havent anyof you ever said " Yep that's the house were buying or thats the car were buying"
,and then the funding didnt come through?




The cost of this has also grown to 600 million. HE still said as of yesterday on RADIONL that the spring was still the start date.

He's not the biggest in town . Is he?

I feel bad for him, I think hes trying and had what he thought was a sure thing. Havent anyof you ever said " Yep that's the house were buying or thats the car were buying"
,and then the funding didnt come through?


yeah hes the biggest contractor in town, im 2nd, hahahha jk
im thinking maybe mibroc is second, all i know is its dog eat dog in that city for construction work, i had to get away from there for awhile, and when i do come back i'll probably focus mostly on the shwap this summer.

yeah hes the biggest contractor in town, im 2nd, hahahha jk
im thinking maybe mibroc is second, all i know is its dog eat dog in that city for construction work, i had to get away from there for awhile, and when i do come back i'll probably focus mostly on the shwap this summer.

He might do the most residential homes but he sure isn't the biggest. I'm not even sure of that.

I bet A&T does more in terms of revenue.
Heck they do most of the highend homes, they've done some large condo projects at Sun Peaks, they are doing the airport expansion, Mosaic, Tobiano, etc. etc.

Mibroc might even do more revenues than DW. (Sun Rivers project is huge)

Granite Homes(Pine View) They have done a lot up there the last few years plus they are doing the giant retirement project now. So there numbers could easily be higher than Wittals.

One thing is for sure if Wittal's Water World ever flies he'll be the top dog.

i was just going by what i heard from the guys i know who work for dw. he mostly does residential, and a little bit of commercial. at one point he had like 35 guys working for him.

well looks like that bulldozer may have moved.... completely off the site! Nice little "show" if it was DW who put that dozer there to make it APPEAR as something was going to take place...

As I say.. if this project gets off the ground, I will eat my words...

Edit: Noticed they just moved the machine and a bit of a road (unless that was there before and just didn't notice it?)

Sedric’s backers still confident


A colossal water park and resort planned for Kamloops appears to be treading water — for now.

The group behind Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park has pushed back construction on the water-park portion until next spring.

“We didn’t get federal funding, so we wasted the entire summer,” Doug Wittal of DW Builders, one of the lead partners in the project, told KTW.

He explained the group is going back to its original private lender to get the project built.

In April, a group led by Wittal and developer Thomas Aubrey announced plans to build a Western-style theme park, sprawling across 45 acres on the south side of Highway 5 — across from Sun Rivers — that, when complete, would offer a water park with a hotel, arena, commercial space and conference centre.

The original plan was to start construction this past summer.

In July, Wittal told KTW the group was looking for help from Ottawa and had applied for federal stimulus money in order to save the development millions of dollars in interest.

Its application was turned down — a decision that has disappointed Wittal.

“It’s a kick in the you-know-what,” he said.

Wittal said if the application had been approved, the project would have employed 450 people during the winter.

Defending the government’s decision, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said she wasn’t sure why the project was rejected, but did offer up a couple of potential reasons.

She said the funding program was over-subscribed, noting a billion dollars worth of requests were submitted for a pot of less than $100 million.

While part of the criteria for funding projects included creating as many jobs as possible, McLeod also pointed out the work needed to be complete within a short timeframe.

“I know there were certainly lots of very good projects that we weren’t able to fund,” she said.

Despite the setbacks, Wittal remains confident the project will go forward.



* “We didn’t get federal funding, so we wasted the entire summer,” Doug Wittal of DW Builders, one of the lead partners in the project, told KTW.

Originally he said he wasnt planning on the Fereral money. So we did he stop progress for something he wasnt banking on?

..well... some more news I just recently came across..

From Sedrics Website: "grounds around the hotel, convention center and multi-plex focus on a 150 foot – Liquid Fireworks Fountain. Designed and built by Waltzing Waters Inc. of Florida. Waltzing Waters has designed and installed fountains at famous landmarks and destinations throughout the world."

Spoke to the owner of Waltzing Waters recently..(who makes some INCREDIBLE displays!) and he has been trying to contact ANYONE involved with Sedrics (Doug or Thomas) since the announcement that the project was going ahead and has not successfully been able to get a hold of anyone by email, phone or other methods since! He said the only reason he knew he was to be a part of it was on the website stating his companies name.

Whitewater Slides - sales person knew of the project, and since the initial contact and design, has not heard anything from them according to him. He says a project this size "with the money immediately at hand" could not be ready until the Spring of 2011 - so 2010 is out of the question.

Just though I would share my recent discoveries....

I think its a stunt and nothing more. They never had intentions of building this.

Trying to drive buisness, I wonder if the KIB knows these things or... if they are also involved in the joke.

Apparently this Aubrey guy is in some financial trouble. Can't pay the bill for using the room at TRU. How's he gonna pay to build a 250 million park?

..certainly there has no been any positive news whatsoever other than the spin that Wittal spews out.... Keeps getting gloomier...

Yeah, it seems as though it was all a facade. There are other rumors floating about that say there is no money whatsoever and that Aubrey is broke. I don't see this ever happening.

Any one close to Wittal that they could ask him what is going on?

Good luck with that. Try phoning them and see the reception you get when you mention this plan.

Any one close to Wittal that they could ask him what is going on?

i heard from a guy that grew up with wittal that hes so far in debt right now and
he wanted to build that park to fix his financial problems, but funding was turned down obviously. this will never come through on his end, someone should kick wittal in the junk for this stint.

As I understand it, wittle is not the developer, aubrey is. wittle just has a higher profile and so was used by aubrey to gain some exposure, i suspect to attracted funding. however, i think aubrey is the one who guaranteed the funding for the waterpark development from the beginning, but never really had it.

just tried the sedrics phone number and it is disconnected...doesn't look good at all for this project and it's too bad because it is the right idea...at least with the world class water park

Yep, the joke lost its laugh , just like Doug.

hahha well that is kamloops for yah, i hope one day we have some major attraction like that come through for us

WITTAL HONOURED
A KAMLOOPS HOME BUILDER HAS BEEN CHOSEN FOR A PRESTIGIOUS HONOUR. BC HOMES MAGAZINE HAS NAMED DOUG WITTAL OF DW BUILDERS, THE 2009 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PERSON OF THE YEAR. SCOTT WHITEMARSH, PUBLISHER AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF BC HOMES MAGAZINE SAYS IT TAKES SOMEONE WITH LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC THINKING, PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AND BALANCED WORKPLACE VALUES TO BE CHOSEN. WHITEMARSH SAYS THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 3ND ANNUAL AWARD WERE ALL OUTSTANDING BUT DOUG WITTAL'S COMMITMENT TO THE INDUSTRY, THE SUCCESS OF HIS BUSINESS, AND THE STRENGTH OF HIS PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS MADE HIM STAND OUT. A KAMLOOPS BUILDER HAS BEENCHOSEN 2 OUT OF 3 YEARS: TWO YEARS AGO, THE FIRST YEAR THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED, TIM KASTEN, HILLSIDE CONTRACTING WON IT. WITTAL WILL BE HONOURED BY HIS COLLEAGUES AT AN AWARD LUNCHEON IN KAMLOOPS IN APRIL 2010.



:nuts:

Congratulations to Doug!

just tried the sedrics phone number and it is disconnected...doesn't look good at all for this project and it's too bad because it is the right idea...at least with the world class water park

Looks like they shut the website down! LOL

www.sedrics.com is no more!

hahahahha i think that april fools joke went on far too long :nuts:

^Agreed.

..someone should notify the media and newspapers of this boondoggle and getting the citizens of Kamloops so excited about this. And for this guy to promise the world, WIN BUILDER OF THE YEAR, and be a lying swindler- the media should be asking this jerk Wittal some questions.

Kamloops This Week
Unpaid bills send Sedric's website offline
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Kamloops This Week

* Sedric’s backers still confident
* Developers still say Sedric's is a go


BC Thompson Nicola

* Artists invited to send cards
* Cadets send Christmas overseas
* Council sends tax hike back

Text
By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week

Published: December 18, 2009 4:00 PM
Updated: December 18, 2009 4:42 PM

1 Comment

A giant water park and resort planned for Kamloops is now looking more like a mirage.

After months of speculation that Sedric's Adventure Resort and Theme Park was in trouble, the company that hosted and built the development's website — sedrics.com — has pulled the plug.

Ralph Ragan of Ragan Creative told KTW his company hasn't been paid by the developer for its work, so it took down the website on Monday (Dec. 14).

"No one wants to take any responsibility for any of the debt surrounding this whole undertaking," he said.

In April, a group led by developer Thomas Aubrey announced plans to build a $250-million Western-style theme park, sprawling across 45 acres on the south side of Highway 5 — across from Sun Rivers — that, when complete, would offer a water park with a hotel, arena, commercial space and conference centre.

But cracks in the development started to appear after the original construction start date was pushed back a year and the group went searching for — and was later denied — federal funding.

Ragan set up the website when the project was first announced in April, and was promised by Aubrey he would be paid within 30 days, but that never happened.

He wouldn't say how much the developer owed his company.

Ragan said he got involved in the project because he "100 per cent" believed in the idea and concept.

"Unfortunately, we have discovered there is someone who doesn't always do what he says he's going to do," he said.

"It's bad news for Kamloops that these types of things happen."

Ragan said he still hopes the water park will eventually be built, suggesting it would be good for the city and the tourism industry.

Calls to Aubrey were not returned to KTW.

As I understand it Aubrey was the developer. He is the one who lied to the city when he convinced everyone that the project is funded 100%. I think all he really did was use the hype to attract investors. They never materialized. DW, Ragen, TRU plus whomever else is out there owed money by Aubrey, were hoodwinked by aubrey it seems.

No wonder he's in hiding....

Endangered species adds to Sedric's slowdown



Badger dens found on the property where the multi-million-dollar Sedric's Adventure Resort and Theme Park is slated to go, have created another hurdle for the project to proceed.

The delay could mean work on the waterslides, initially slated to open in June 2010, won't proceed until 2011.

Proponent and consultant on the project Thomas Aubrey said Friday there are three dens that will have to be protected, even though there have been no badger sightings there since 2004.

"The badgers were a big surprise. Nobody even in their wildest dreams imagined that. You just deal with it," he said.

"We have a tentative plan. We know where the holes are. We've lined up what we have to do to bridge them. Then maybe I'll have a badger exhibit."

Estimated at more than $200 million by local developer Doug Wittal, Sedric's was mapped out as a major water park, with two hotels, an arena with retractable roof and a convention centre to be created on west side of Highway 5 cutting through the Kamloops Indian reserve.

This isn't the first obstacle the project has encountered.

Aubrey said the investor for the pre-building costs has pulled out, leaving Sedric's $150,000 short.

"He didn't come through. I'm dealing with that," he said.

He has someone else lined up willing to make the investment, but that won't come through until a deal is finalized with the band over water and sewage treatment — and until the badgers are sorted out.

Asked about the Sedric's web site, which was not functioning earlier this week, Aubrey said there's no need for it to be up because there's no traffic on it right now.

He has also been questioned about outstanding bills at Thompson Rivers University, where the Sedric's launch was held last year, and with the web site creator. Aubrey said one's been dealt with and the other is almost done.

Construction money for the project is fine, he added.

The band is having its own issues with the sewage plant, which is affecting Sedric's, he said.

All of that means the chances of opening the water park this year are slim.

"We're probably not going to hit 2010. Not with the water park," he said.

"We may be able to do it this year, but it's going to get pretty darned tight. There are a couple of proposals we're looking at. Frankly, I'd rather open for 2011. But it's not up to me. It's up to the money."

Aubrey noted that other huge projects in the area — Tobiano and Tranquille — have had their ups and downs and delays before finally getting in the ground.

"I believe there will be earthworks (next year). I certainly hope so. I think so," he said.

"We need to make sure we can flush the toilets and we deal with the badgers. Then we're good to go. Unless somebody pulls something else out of the fire".

* This all sounds so stupid to me. If there has not been a badger seen for 6 years..... Wow, Ill go there and look for them and evidence of the allusive badger my self. Next we will hear about how someone saw a ghost on the site so they have to wait for the pope and the ghost busters to come in and check it out, and thats not going to happen unitll 2013 as Bill Murray is a pretty busy guy nowadays; and dont get me started on Pope Benedict the sixteenths schedule...

wow this is getting old.
badgers?? i didn't think kamloops had badgers i thought they were more so in the prairies.

I heard the badger issue was resolved some time ago. Now it's just an excuse to delay. Aubrey has no money.

..Aubrey seems so "wishy washy" and I don't even think HE knows what the hell is going on!

"there are a couple of prposal we are looking at" - WHAT THE HELL! I thought this was all set in stone, everything in place!

The badger thing came right out of left field. This sounds like such a damned prank - if Wittal is not a part of this, then if I was him, I'd get away from Aubrey as fast as possible - he is not a good guy to be associated with.

If Wittal is a part of this fiasco, he deserves every dent in his reputation that this project can give him. He's jsut as guilty as Aubrey -they are both the "FACES" of Sedrics.

LOL No Shit!

Baby Steps!

Maybe they'll get there "pre construction" investors back in 2010 and be able to get that website back online! LOL

DOUG WITTAL IF YOU READ THIS , please come out to the media and clear YOUR name. We all want to believe your a good honest guy. No one care if this Aubrey guy goes down, but the industry needs people of your calibre and reputaion. so help your self.

I'm with rhino, I believe that DW is a good honest comany run by two moral and ethical people. The BS we keep hearing eminates from Aubrey who is sounding more and more like a promoter and less and less as a developer. I wonder what Aubrey's ever built in his life. From what I could find out Thomas--not his dad Bud--Aubrey has never lifted a hammer on a construction site.

I feel bad for D-W and I know what it's like to get involved with someone else that shoots big and cant deliver. after 60 days of not getting paid, we saw what was happening and decided to prevent any further work together.

Rhino: What involvement did you have with him?

This story has reached a new high in the media.. All the papers are all over it and Radio NL.. I hope the heat stays on him to either prove himself or admit the hoax and fly away...

The project is a good project, just the wrong guy at the helm. Once aubrey gets the message and moves aside, then maybe something can happen. It's hard to raise financing when you have a guy like aubrey spinning everything--never the truth. I see in today's paper that he hasn't paid a single bill to date...and he wants credibility? LOL The only credibility he has is that of a prevaricator.

I just got off the phone with the person who originally brought the waterpark idea to aubrey. He said that when he met aubrey he was trying to get a tramway up Mt. Paul and no-one would give him the time of day. The fella I talked to is a person who has built and sold waterparks around the world. Essentually he says that aubrey stole his plans ideas and expertise and called them his own when the launch was made last April--without so much as a thank you. It no wonder that aubrey doesn't know what hes doing. he's never even seen or been to a full fledged waterpark let alone built or run one. aubrey seems like a lowlife idea thief. I hope everyone sees this idiot for what he is and runs him out of town!

What an embarrassment to the city of Kamloops.

Simple rule in business. If your going to pitch investors an idea atleast be able to pay for you own pitch!

Is this guy seriously trying to find investors to pay for a website and a little wine and cheese! LOL WOW that is awsome! I'm just trying to figure out what this Aubrey brings to the table??

Aubrey looks like the friend you always go for lunch with but can never get his wallet out when the bill arrives.

Plain and Simple: Ideas need money and these guys have none.

This is not the first time The city has been made to look stupid.
Recall a certain " Ice Castle " and there was another proposal for an ammusment park back in the 70's or 80's.

As far as any deals with this guy, I was actually talking about some one else. There was HUGE plans for a redevelopment involving a Hotel and strip club on the North Shore. And guess what... THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. EVER. EVER EVER EVER

..That hotel and strip Club on the NS - that isn't the same proposal as the Village redevelopment was it?

I know the person who brought the idea of a waterpark to Aubrey. He had no idea that Aubrey was a fraud. He gave him the concept, the park design, the financials and so on. Aubrey, at the time, was trying to put a gondola up Mt. Paul...what a joke...So when he was given a good solid popular plan as in the water park, he took it and ran with it, using the info to attract investors. And he got investors, but not one dime went to pay any bills, instead he just lined his pockets.

Personally, I know the plan, the numbers and the park design. Remove Aubrey from the mix and you have a good opportunity to see this facility built here. It will absolutely work. Doug Wittle, Mark Poulsen and Bryan Wickham are all honest, straightforward business people who believe in this project and believe in Kamloops.

I hope that Aubrey is exposed for the fraud he is, sooner rather that later lest another good project wither on the vine because of one person's avarice and greed.

..With all due respect Tasha58.. I completely agree... It is a great opportunity indeed....a great opportunity for every investor to lose all their money they put into it and that is about it.

In a warm climate..where they could be open for a longer period.. YES, but here... NO..

And if Wittal knew ahead of time that AUbrey was part of this Mt Paul Tramway and knew ahead of time that he was a crackpot, why the hell did he ever get involved with him? I think this is back peddaling and everyone blaming everyone.

I believe Wittal is as much to blame as Aubrey and if anything. Wittal should come out and say something as he was the FACE of this project. HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT - BOTTOM LINE.

Why has Wittal not responded to ANY media requests?

Aubrey has the one who has been forefront and giving his side of the story. Wittal has been avoiding. What exactly is Wittal Hiding.

If Wittal wanted to clear his name, he should be the first one to stand up and wash his hands of Aubrey - but he isn't.

Where is DOUG?

I appreciate your comments YKA, however I do not believe DW would have backed this project if they knew what type of a person Aubrey is. It seems Aubrey is a professional hype man. Always has an excuse. Never his fault.

Why would DW put their money, resources and reputation on the line if they were aware that Aubrey is a hustler? Doesn't make sense. No, I think that DW was hustled, just as Ragen creative, TRU, and so on were hustled by Aubrey.

Now then, you comment on the viability of building this type of attraction in Kamloops. A quick google of outdoor water parks show these entities being built in many "Nordic" countries, ie: switzerland, germany, the UK (maybe the UK is not so Nordic, but really a wet place.)

If I may turn your attention to www.dells.com (Wisconsin Dells), where the climate is not as favorable as here in the summertime. They have 5 outdoor waterparks...some of them massive. (By the way, present temp in the Dells is 19F and snow predicted for the entire week) And yeah, it rains there in the summertime too!

Further research shows that most outdoor waterparks operate in a 100 day "school vacation" window. That when the majority of people travel.

Kamloops is in dire need of something like this if it is to ever elevate it status as a truck stop city. I hope DW figure this out and move forward. I still believe that this type of development will do wonders for Kamloops and BC in general!

..

Where is DOUG?

http://fryspace.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/honeybadger.jpg



Doug's out looking for badgers?:banana:

Ah well, time to move on. this thing is pretty much a dead horse.

Shots traded over delays to Sedric's


An investor in the proposed Sedric's Adventure Park is blaming partner Thomas Aubrey for the project failing to proceed.

Despite the project's non-existent pace and early financial troubles, Bryan Wickham, introduced at a press conference in May as the project's vice-president of aquatics, said he remains confident in principal developer Doug Wittal.

Aubrey recently blamed delays in construction on endangered badgers found on the site beside Highway 5N with delays in construction.

But Wickham dismissed the problem.

"Back in June that problem was resolved. He's using it as a delay tactic."

The Kamloops resident described himself as an investor and construction supervisor who has worked on 20 water park projects around the world, including at Mala Bay water park in Taiwan. He blamed Aubrey for unpaid bills and the project's failure to launch.

"I was promised shares two years ago, which were never delivered," he said.

Contacted Wednesday, Aubrey called Wickham a "disgruntled guy" and denied the project is running into financial trouble.

"There's absolutely not a bunch of unpaid bills. He doesn't have his facts straight."

Ragan Creative and Thompson Rivers University both have outstanding invoices. Aubrey said slow payment of bills can happen in development, particularly during a recession.

"It's being handled," he said of outstanding invoices. "It's not as dire as Mr. Wickham would have everyone believe."

Wittal, named builder of the year by B.C. Homes magazine, did not return phone calls seeking comment. He announced the project in spring.

The estimated $250-million project, called Sedric's Adventure Resort and Theme Park, includes plans for a water park, 800-seat convention centre, hotel and arena.

In September, Wittal said the project was delayed while he awaited word on possible financing from Western Economic Diversification. But Ottawa turned the project down.

"I haven't seen a single bill paid," Wickham said.

While acknowledging stumbles, Wickham said he is working to complete a feasibility study to present to investors.

"We're presenting it in front of a number of Chinese groups. They've indicated they'll invest up to $16 million if they can have control."

Despite their differences, however, both men said they are confident the project will proceed.

"We feel it's infinitely doable. We're working to resurrect this thing," Wickham said.

Aubrey echoed the confidence.

"That's something Mr. Wickham and I can both agree on."



* hmmmm , Im shocked Wickham would show confidence after all that has happen, unless he's very aware that this will take place.
If there was NO chance I'm sure he would have just said so and been done with it.

Disgusting!!, just another fart in the wind project that will never see the light of day, I dont understand why Kamloops gets more than it's fair share of these pie in the sky projects

because the potential is there. Kamloops needs to stop being a truck stop and start being the great interior city it can be.

DOUG WITTAL? Where art thou? Nothing has been said by him.

i dont think its in a developers best interest to be speaking poorly about their partners, even if they are responsible for screwing them over. its bad for business to come out to the media and start pointing fingers. nobody would do business with the man if they knew they had that on the line if things went sour.

besides, it doesnt matter. in this city, we are the only people who care or remember this development, and we know the truth, so what does it matter? it doesn't, and im sure, although maybe a bit embarrassed, he knows that.

and where is he going to be embarrassed anyway? a conference with the few of us as the audience? its water under the bridge.

I would't so much agree, in business peoples perceptions are very important, if you lump yourself in with scam artist and fly by nighters, how long do you think it will be before you get painted with the same brush.
Kamloops is not that big of a city, and word of mouth spreads fast.

..which i think is why it is important for Doug Wittal to get out in the media and either a) wash his hands of the project and state that he screwed up or b) otherwise.

I don't mean for him to come out guns blazing at who's to blame - be a big man and fess up. Afterall, he is the dude who made the big flashy announcement and was in the paper whenever there was something positive to say - now that there are seious questions, he's not available - how convenient.

Just as big of a shyster and a joke as Aubrey.

Staying in hiding just makes it look even more suspicious and so far, he is the only one who has said nothing since the fall-out of this.

i dont think its in a developers best interest to be speaking poorly about their partners, even if they are responsible for screwing them over. its bad for business to come out to the media and start pointing fingers. nobody would do business with the man if they knew they had that on the line if things went sour.

besides, it doesnt matter. in this city, we are the only people who care or remember this development, and we know the truth, so what does it matter? it doesn't, and im sure, although maybe a bit embarrassed, he knows that.

and where is he going to be embarrassed anyway? a conference with the few of us as the audience? its water under the bridge.

Yes, but sometimes one must step up and say something if not to straighten out the record, then to expose a scam artist.

And if your ethical and honest, you have nothing to fear.

Rhino has not been saying very much on this topic????

..Curiously quiet that is for sure!!! Maybe not enough :cheers:

Soooo... All this speculation on here. Has anyone ever thought of talking to these men in person?

Rhinos probably not talking for the same reason I am not talking.. because there is nothing to talk about.

Sorry, thats funny, Ive just been very busy with work. Maybe Doug had great intentions.
Maybe He had been told that there was funding for this project and believed in it 100%
Maybe He's just as pissed as we are that the city was taken for a ride and he go drug into the mud with these dip shits. Just a thought. Maybe I was wrong to finger him as an accomplice in a wonderful fabrication that intrigued all of us and he also got swept away in the thoughts of what if...

Sedric’s and the case of the elusive badgers

January 15,2010

michele young

The saga of Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park just keeps getting more vague.

At last April’s announcement at Thompson Rivers University, local builder Doug Wittal, nattily decked out in a dark suit, dark shirt and lovely silvery-white tie, acted as chief spokesman for the project.

And what a project it was that he unveiled; 800-seat convention centre, 3,000-seat NHL-sized ice/concert arena with a retractable roof, award-winning architect set to design a major hotel, dancing water fountain, indoor and, of course, huge outdoor water park.

The numbers were as big as the dream: $250-million cost, 1,500 jobs at peak season, a projection of 8,000 visitors a day.

Present for the announcement were Kamloops Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Mayor Peter Milobar, MP Cathy McLeod, former MLA Claude Richmond, plus an assortment of other dignitaries, officials and business types.

Partnered with Wittal was Thomas Aubrey, the man who planned to paint murals on the Klapstock Building at First and Victoria many moons ago.

It never happened.

And, as goes along with an announcement as big as Sedric’s, there was speculation, cynicism and hope that what was promised would happen.

Then the cracks began to appear. Construction was first said to be delayed due to a wet spring. Then it was said the proponents had applied for a federal grant and were waiting on word of that.

Then word came. The grant was a no-go.

Wittal became harder to reach. Those involved in that high-profile launch — Ragan Advertising and Thompson Rivers University — weren’t getting paid months after the event.

And then there were the badgers who were said to have left dens on the site. Endangered badgers. Badgers who may or may not still be around, but who Aubrey himself said he had never seen.

Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment have never seen the badgers, either, apparently. Officials with both ministries said they haven’t been consulted on Sedric’s, let alone looking into badgers.

The official emailed word from two different communications staff with Environment Canada (the feds normally deal with Indian band property) was as vague as the future of Sedric’s has been.

From Tracy Lacroix-Wilson:

“You asked us to provide information about the badgers on this site and their status as an endangered species.

“This project was not referred to Environment Canada for our advice.

“American Badgers are considered Endangered in British Columbia and are listed on the federal Species at Risk Act. Individuals and their residences are protected on Indian Reserves, by the federal Species at Risk Act.

“You also asked if the issue surrounding the badgers was resolved six months ago.

“Environment Canada has not been provided information on this project, or use of the area by American Badgers.”

Her colleague, Ryan Foreman, submitted this after he was asked to double check whether there was any involvement between Environment Canada and Sedric’s regarding badgers.

“This project was not referred to Environment Canada for our advice.

“American Badgers are considered Endangered in British Columbia and are listed on the federal Species at Risk Act. Individuals and their residences are protected on Indian Reserves, by the federal Species at Risk Act.

“You also asked if the issue surrounding the badgers was resolved six months ago.

“Environment Canada has not been provided information on this project, or use of the area by American Badgers.”

So there may or may not be badgers. There may or may not be a Sedric’s. The project that started with such a big splash is now floundering

I wonder if this will prompt a decent responce from Camp Sedric...

looks like the heat in the frying pan is getting turned up a few more notches, Doug Wittal is not gona be able to side step this issue

As I understand the process, the badger and other environmental issues are dealt with during the lease application to Indian and Northern Affairs. So if a lease hasn't been applied for with INAC, then the badger issue is moot at this point. I was told there was an extensive environmental report which dealt with possible mitigation scenarios. Really the badger is a non issue that, for some reason, has taken on a life of its own.

More importantly...where's the money? And is this thing gonna go, or are we all just beating a dead horse?????

This horse was a still birth.

yup

Wow. Just finished reading through all of these posts. What a roller-coaster ride your city has been taken for. It's such a kick to the crotch for developers to come to town and bedazzle the citizens with what seems to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But then all it turns out to be in the end is a poorly organized stain on their underpants. Believe me, I was born in a city and currently live in another city with negative NIMBY's and pie-in-the-sky developments that never see the light of day. Frustrating to no end. My condolences to Kamloops. You never deserved this.

We thank you for your thoughts and well wishes....

lota scammers seem to get stuck on Kamloops

..problem is... these scammers on this project were local and APPARENTLY reliable, honest people.. Doug Wittal of DW Builders (who recently just "won" home builder of the year) was the public face of this project... but has since disappeared into the thin air (whats he hiding?)

I think its just the fact that it had so much publicity and now that aubrey fellow turns out to be a false prophet, he's embarrassed, as are a lot of people....aubrey must be good at his game to get an entire city to believe him...and yes, kamloops deserves better!

I feel there needs to be a public burning at the stake, perhaps in Gaglardi square?

We should put this topic to rest

I agree, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last chapter in this book.

I disagree, this story still has legs,

apparently aubrey has had civil law suits filed over this...seems he deserves this.

apparently aubrey has had civil law suits filed against him....seems he deserves this after all the people he tricked.

Who filed the suite?

I heard it was one of the people involved with him early on. Wouldn't mention a name. Isn't there some way to find out? Public record and all??

Just an update. So far there are four people who bought shares from Mr. Aubrey, but those shares never materialized. Sounds like Mr. Aubrey is a bit of a con artist.

In my experience there seems to be a high concentration of con artists in BC.

Why do you say that? Has someone ripped you off?

Nope, but I noticed that a lot of jobs advertised are shady and a lot of get rich quick schemes being promoted in Vancouver. Its the affluence of the city, everyone wants to be as well off as everyone else or as everyone else is perceived to be. Or maybe I've just grown more cynical with age.

I also heard he is under investigation for fraud and that he pulled a similar scam in Williams lake, bilking a bunch of people there out of $100K. How does this guy survive here? Why don't the police do something?

When did this take place in Williams Lake?

I heard it was 2004/5

I heard it was 2004/5

You know Tasha, this is a public forum and you are getting pretty close to possibly opening yourself up to a libel suit with all this bashing. Just saying, maybe you should choose your words a little more carefully.

I have heard the similar things about Thomas Aubrey and that he used the same methods on a previous "job" where the investors money disappeared bringing the project to a screeching halt. Apparently one of his partners raised all the money and Aubrey spent it all, mostly on himself. He was in a habit of blaming everyone else for the problems he created and he would manipulate situations and people to fit the moment.

You know Tasha, this is a public forum and you are getting pretty close to possibly opening yourself up to a libel suit with all this bashing. Just saying, maybe you should choose your words a little more carefully.

Libel is only possible when you lie about a person and that lie causes damage. Truth is not libelous. The information that I've been privileged to, comes from solid sources or else I would not be saying this. I stand behind my statements and am not afraid.

This Aubrey fellow is making a career of taking people's money without integrity or honesty. Time he's shut down.

I have heard rumblings that this project is back at square one and is being financed by outside investors. From what i have heard, it is still expected to be built, timeline unknown. Aubrey is out of the picture. Now, this is just what i have heard, but its from a reliable person whom i trust. We will have to wait and see.

Apparently Thomas and his wife were taken to a legal hearing and Thomas had a judgement awarded against him. It seems of the many things he did during his fiasco with water park was borrow $15,000 off of one of the developers and then refuse to pay him back. This is the way he treats people after conning them into trusting him.
Fortunately the judge didn't buy any of Aubrey's stories and placed a judgement against him for $15,000.

If everyone else scammed by Thomas were to step forward the community of Kamloops would have a far better understanding of what happened and be alot better off knowing.

Has anyone else heard, like I have, that this project is being reworked behind the scenes with new investors? Just putting out there what I have heard "through the grapevine". Anyone?

Apparently Thomas and his wife were taken to a legal hearing and Thomas had a judgement awarded against him. It seems of the many things he did during his fiasco with water park was borrow $15,000 off of one of the developers and then refuse to pay him back. This is the way he treats people after conning them into trusting him.
Fortunately the judge didn't buy any of Aubrey's stories and placed a judgement against him for $15,000.

If everyone else scammed by Thomas were to step forward the community of Kamloops would have a far better understanding of what happened and be alot better off knowing.

I know of three people that believed Aubrey and put in money. Same thing, they have not received a thing from Aubrey--including returning phone calls. In fact one fella even did some work for Aubrey on his house(for a paltry $150), and Aubrey stiffed him. It is quite apparent that Aubrey never pays his bills (unless forced ie: hydro) and never pays back loans. Pretty slimy guy if you ask me.

Apparently the fellow who lent Aubrey the money had to undergo a sudden and unexpected severe medical treatment that made it difficult to go to work--something like chemo. This fellow explained to aubrey that he needed the money he lent him to be returned to survive this medical emergency. aubrey, even-though he was collecting tens of thousands from others--continually claimed he didn't have any money. To this day Aubrey has not returned a penny to anyone he borrowed from and has no remorse. He is an extremely cold fish--devoid of normal human empathy or compassion.

This is a typical example of how unbeleivably low this scumbag is. I am really surprised Ken Ellerbeck's name hasn't come up in all of this. This guy is in thick with Thomas and shows up at meetings with him and participates on the board of directors of Aubrey's con job companies.
The best way to deter scum from preying on the backbone of society is to spread the word on these forums because the justice system is skewed in favor of fraudsters and con artists. I have heard the only thing Aubrey spends any real amount of his fraudulant money on is advice from his lawyer Doug Springford. The rest of his ill gotten gains just dissapear into the Aubrey black hole. This guy is completely devoid of any conscience or humanity.

Who exactly is Aubrey? Other then this pipe dream, I have never heard of him.

Who exactly is Aubrey? Other then this pipe dream, I have never heard of him.

Thomas Aubrey is a Kamloops resident con artist who puts informational feelers or representations to draw people into his schemes. None of his ideas are original. He uses or assumes other people's ideas and it doesn't mattter if they have previously failed or not. He befriends his prey by developing a false relationship based on trust and uses various tricks and names to draw more people in as the con job accelerates. Using a high trust level as an excuse, minimal transactions or agreements are ever in writing. Once he has convinced unsuspecting people that he is genuine and the project is a likely winner he offers up shares and starts bringing in the cash. With this momentum underway his greed has no limits and he borrows money from a close associate in the project to get him over a small hump and then refuses to pay them back.
Around this time he is blaming everyone else for everything that has gone wrong with the project forcing reputable people to chose to fight or walk away and wash their hands of his nasty world.
The sad thing is most people are too embarrassed to admit they have been taken and will say and do nothing allowing him to move onto his next con job without a track record or any concequences.
He is someone you want to stay far away from as possible.

Does anyone know anything about Why Doug Wittal is still saying he’s going ahead with this project on his own? There is still info and photos on the DW web site pertaining to Sedrics.

It does amaze me that Aubrey continues to use the same bs to usurp another land site. Now he is trying to find 2 million to finance an 80 acre site that has all the same elements (aubrey hasn't the guts to say it is him on the website, but it has all the same elements and all the typical aubrey earmarkings, you know grammatical mistakes, outlandish statements...you'll see by reading it--and furthermore, the likelyhood of someone else doing an exact development like this with the same unprofessional fashion is nil!!!...read on.)

The website claims that management is in place, financing is in place, everything is just hunky-dory, but like Sedric's, nothing has been properly done--environmental studies, geotech..., archeological, permits etc. Here is what the website says...

Largest development of its kind in northwest North America. Now open to third party ownership for first time. Equity partner/ownership interest available respecting a 17-acre world-class water park and associated resort and commercial real estate development (total of 5 phases, +/- 70 acres approx. total - leased lands). One of a kind location in strong travel and tourism corridor in British Columbia, Canada.

Investment required $2 million (CDN) and up – pricing based on construction costs only (future investors will pay earnings multiples on top). Lender financing is pre-arranged, and construction program ready to roll for 2010 start.

Total build costs for water park estimated $30 million. Annual revenue for water park projected in excess of $15 million by third full year of operation (2013), projected EBITDA (water park element only) $12 million plus, in third year and beyond.

Fully elaborated master plan available, principal contractors and key management in place. Marketing program launched.

Master plan provides a combination of water rides, water activities, shopping, entertainment, dining, arena and hotels all in one accessible site. Executive golf and RV park elements also available for investment. Revenue streams for entire project to include:

• Ticket Revenues
• Food and Beverage
• cabana and equipment rentals
• Merchandising and Retail
• Licensing and Sponsorship Agreements
• Parking and Transportation
• Property Management

This is a world-class attraction in a uniquely well-suited location. Inquire for more information about this development.

I'll bet there is nothing in place but another set of promises...then, once the money is in, come the excuses...probably endangered Sasquatches this time...

Has Sedric's dried up for good?

It was first announced during a splashy news conference at Thompson Rivers University in April 2009 — but, nearly two years later, there is no water-themed park in Kamloops.

However, one of the partners involved in the initial project still hopes to bring a water park to the Tournament Capital.*

Doug Wittal of DW Builders said his company is still pursuing a water park, noting the project is still in the “working stages.

“We’re working on things behind the scenes,” he said.

Wittal wouldn’t provide details on the project, but said he hopes to have more concrete answers in the spring of 2011.

In April 2009, a group led by Wittal and entrepreneur Thomas Aubrey announced plans to build Sedric’s Adventure Resort and Theme Park.

The venture was to have sprawled across 45 acres on the south side of Highway 5 — across from Sun Rivers — that, when complete, would have offered a water park, hotel, arena, commercial space and conference centre.

The original plan was to start construction in the summer of 2009, according to its proponents.

But, the project, which was pegged at $250 million, has been plagued by controversy since it was first announced.

The group, which originally said it had private investors from outside of Canada, wasn’t able to secure the funding it hoped to receive from the federal government.

Then came word Ragan Creative — the company that created the development’s website, Sedrics.com — hadn’t been paid and was pulling the cyberspace plug.

Next came news TRU had not been paid the rental-hall fee for the press conference.

Sedric’s fell further into tumult after a silent partner, Bryan Wickham, revealed the project had no funding in place and had been mishandled by Aubrey.

Wittal said his group is no longer working with Aubrey and indicated the revised water park on which he is working will operate under a different name.

* and the joke continues, Please Doug... Let it die already. Here's an idea, buy and renovate the old water park in Dallas. The ground work in already there and it would take in my opinion , minimal cash to get it opperating again. You would have a cash cow in your hands with the long hot days of a Kamloops summer laying ahead of us.

True he should do something maybe a little smaller seeing as how it would have more of a chance of coming to life, but not in the old Dallas park. That place was tiny. The hill the water slides were on were smaller than the hill I learned to snowboard on when I was 6

IMHO the ONLY way to go is big, otherwise how do you attract more people to the area? I thing DW is on the right track--go big or go home.

IMHO the ONLY way to go is big, otherwise how do you attract more people to the area? I believe DW is on the right track--go big or go home.

Haven't heard much at all about this. Still see this as a good idea...Doug? Anybody out there?

Haven't heard much at all about this. Still see this as a good idea...Doug? Anybody out there?

Hi there. Unfortunately the Thomas Aubrey involvment has left its ugly mark and I doubt anyone will touch this one for quite some time. A discussion of how things got so bad did come up the other day and I was pointed to this below.... I previously thought the following was confined to the likes of mass murderers etc so this was truly a learning experience.

These are some of the most highly researched and recognized characteristics of psychopathic personality and behavior.

- glibness/superficial charm

- grandiose sense of self worth

- pathological lying

- conning/manipulative

- lack of remorse or guilt

- shallow emotional response

- callous/lack of empathy

- parasitic lifestyle

- irresponsibility

- criminal versatility

The list goes on but the point was made by this time.

So why would a place like Moore's hire him to sell suits??/