August 4, 2022 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Tourism Thunder Bay are pleased to provide $30,000 in funding support from the CEDC Tourism Development Fund to Splish Splash Water Park Thunder Bay. 

Splish Splash Water Park opened in June and is located at Boulevard Lake on Lyon Boulevard. The floating water park consists of many interlocking modules, including a slide tower, jumping pillow, bridge, trampoline, and much more. The park offers both day passes and hourly passes. Gerald Champagne, the owner of Splish Splash Water Park, has successfully opened two parks in the Manitoba towns of Minnedosa (2019) and Morden (2020).

“So far the response has been fabulous.” Says Gerald Champagne, owner of Splish Splash Water Park. “Kids and adults are having fun, and we’ve had some kids out three times already…Parents love it because kids are out exercising and away from electronics. When the sun shines the park shines. It doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy the park, it’s fun in almost any climate.” 

The CEDC Tourism Development Fund provides financial support to projects and events with the capacity to attract more visitors to Thunder Bay, increase visitor spending, and generate room nights at local accommodations. The fund is supported by tax revenues collected quarterly on short-term stays at local hotels, motels, and other accommodation providers at the rate of 4%. The CEDC and Tourism Thunder Bay administer 50% of the total collected tax revenues in support of the continued growth of tourism-focused events and products. 

The waterpark has two Stay and Play packages established with the Delta Hotel and the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre. Stay and Play packages allow out-of-town visitors to explore local accommodations and attractions. 

“This is a new and unique attraction located at one of our city’s popular parks that adds to the mix of things to see and do for visitors travelling to Thunder Bay. Especially people travelling with children,” said John Cameron, Tourism Development Officer for Tourism Thunder Bay, part of the Thunder Bay CEDC. 

“The floatable waterpark has proven to be a regional draw in its two Manitoba locations with similar success expected here in Thunder Bay. It is another reason to visit Thunder Bay for a weekend family getaway for people from the towns here in Northwest Ontario.”

Visit www.visitthunderbay.com/tourismdevelopmentfund for more information about the program.