Water park proposal dead, says councillor

Theproposal for a $75-million hotel and water park at The Forks is probably dead, says city Coun. Paula Havixbeck.

Council voted on Wednesday to delay a vote on the proposalfromCanalta Hotels and park designer Waterfun Products.

The pitchwas facing strong opposition and facing defeat, prompting Coun. Dan Vandal, who supports the plan, to requestthe deferral.

Vandal was concerned those opposed both on council and in the public don't really understand it. Hehas askedthe city's administration for more information.

Havixbeck says city councillors dumped on the proposal yet asked developer Canalta to spend $200,000 on site plans. Treating the company that wayhas likelyleft the plan dead in the water.

"I believe it is and I believe that this would have been a significant investment for not just Winnipeg, but Manitoba," she said.

"We spend millions of dollars marketing this city and this province and we turn somebody away when they come here."

She's upset Winnipeggers will continue to go to Grand Forks for that water park instead of enjoying one of their own and keeping their money in the city.

Calls by CBC News to Canalta have not yet been returned.