It began with an intense battle at city council and with public opinion, but all signs point to Timmins Wake Park becoming a permanent part of the city's fabric going forward.
It is the second summer for the two year pilot project, which was approved by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority, the organization that manages Gillies Lake.
Co-owners and brothers Johny and Justin Bonney have made tremendous strides since their vision for the park was first brought to city council in 2012.
They have faced several challenges, including a public consultation session which drew many concerns from area residents.
Several years and two summers of operation later, those concerns seem to have been extinguished.
“There are some people who've contacted the MRCA and basically took back what they said initially. We knew that in the beginning too. We held our cards close to our chests, and knew exactly what we were bringing and how it would impact the area. I don't think we've strayed from those statements and the vision that we had for it,” said Johny.
Mayor Steve Black, who is also the Chair of the MRCA Board, has also seen a big change in attitude amongst the project's early naysayers.
“I was very involved in the public consultation process that took place in the initial two-year agreement, as chair of the board. Some of those residents who did raise concerns have come to me over the last couple years saying it wasn't what they expected. They agree that its quiet and actually more noise is generated by the highway nearby, so they don't have any issues with it and actually enjoy watching people use the facility,” said Black.
The decision to move forward with Timmins Wake Park will ultimately rest in the hands of MRCA.
“We've already been in talks with the MRCA to get an extension. They've been very supportive of that,” said Johny
“We've discussed it this summer, in principle, of an extension of the project. As the company has applied for NOHFC funding grants, so they needed a letter from us saying that we are still supportive of the facility in principle, before we get into the final details of the agreement,” said Black.
Black has liked what he's seen thus far from the Bonney brothers.
“I think its been a great addition to the city. I think a lot of the initial concerns that were raised in terms of noise and impact on the lake have been dismissed over the last couple of years. We'll wait and see if there is any feedback from residents over the next couple months as we look forward to entering into an extension of a five-year period” he said.
The summer of 2014 was a tough one for the Timmins Wake Park, enduring long periods of wet and overcast conditions - not the friendliest for business, especially a business in its first year of operation.
This summer, Bonney says the park has had at least one rider every single day.
“This year we've seen a lot more kids use the park, which is great. In the beginning, we knew we wanted to do something for the youth here in Timmins. Especially now in our second year, we're responding to that need of providing youth with new recreational opportunities that are both affordable and accessible,” he said.
“Getting kids active and providing them with something that otherwise, they may have never come across. A lot of it its about giving back, and it feels good.”
One of the highlights of the summer for Johny has been the wake board camps for kids, a five-day introduction to the sport. They hope to expand on the camps next summer.
“Two out of three were full. All the kids did really well, they learned a lot and they had a great time. It was awesome to see the kids progress over the five days. What they were doing by Friday, they didn't think was possible on Monday. It proves to them that, as long as you practice, give it some time, give it some effort and you'll be rewarded. They come away with some new skills and some new confidence” said Johny.
The MRCA is looking at what Black calls a 'lease type arrangement' which are usually in three- to five-year periods.
They have tentatively agreed to negotiate a five-year extension.
“I think the board will make the formal decision in the fall, after he closes down and we get into some discussions with him as well, in terms of the formal conditions of the extension, if the Board decides to go that route” he said.
“There may still be those out there that have a different view in terms of the goals of what the lake is for, and is used for. But I think the majority of the community is very supportive of it and would like to see more activities like this in our community,” said Black.
September 30 will be the final day for public riding.
Johny is thrilled with the prospect of another five years of operation, which will give Timmins and area residents the opportunity to discover a sport he loves so much.
“We're still a young business. We're young entrepreneurs still learning, but we're definitely encouraged with how things have gone so far, and we're really excited for the future.”
(PHOTO: Noah McCann cruises across Gillies Lake. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday)
