Kenosee Superslides closed for summer after permit denial

The owner of Kenosee Superslides thought everything was in order after his waterpark was inspected.

“As the inspections were getting done, we were taking notes, we were talking to the inspectors. They were pointing out issues that might be a problem at some time so we jumped on it right away,” said Harvey Armstrong.

Armstrong believed he had resolved all those concerns and was planning to open in late June.

But he says, in the end, the Saskatchewan Health Authority denied him a permit to operate. Armstrong says the SHA cited “deficiencies” and problems with the condition of the slides, notifying him in a letter dated on July 20.

Appealing is an option, but Armstrong says at this point in the summer, the process could take until the end of the season.

So he’s closed the park to focus on next year, laying off workers and refunding tickets.

“We were really, really, really excited about this year. And we thought we were prepared in plenty of time. Our application went in plenty early,” Armstrong said.

He said there were plans to add new attractions to the park, which opened in the 80s.

Armstrong said he has partnered with an architectural firm and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to improve the slides. He acknowledges they’re old but maintains they are safe.

“Since we bought the slides, they’ve been resurfaced twice. And so, they’re safe and in good condition. But, yes, they are old,” he said.

“We are still hoping that possibly we can negotiate over the winter and we’ll have something new for the spring of next year.”