One of the most popular attractions in southeast Saskatchewan has been forced to shut down, and is to remain closed at least until the end of the weekend.
The Kenosee Superslides were closed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) before the start of their morning session on Friday. In a video posted to the business’ YouTube page, Jan Armstrong from the Superslides said they received a letter from the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Thursday evening informing them of the decision, which said they are unsafe for public use.
Armstrong said this is unwarranted, and based on the opinion of one person, rather than an expert or waterslide specialist.
“Our park was one of the safest water parks in Canada last year. The numbers prove it. And yet they’re telling us our slides are unsafe,” said Armstrong, who apologized repeatedly during the video.
In an update post and video on the Superslides Facebook page on Saturday, Armstrong said athey would remain closed for the weekend. Government offices are closed during the weekend and there's nothing the Superslides can do until early next week.
Armstrong said they would keep the public updated of any developments and he thanked them for all of the support, as it has helped them get through a tough time.
He also said tickets for this weekend would be refunded.
Doug Dahl, who works in community engagement and communications with the SHA, said it has cancelled the operational licence for the Superslides.
He added the notice outlines the public health and safety reasons for the decision, as well information about appealing the decision.
Dahl would not divulge further details about the SHA’s decision.
The attraction opened in late July. Their opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since reopening, they have enacted stringent cleaning protocols and have followed crowd size restrictions.
The Superslides has been consulting with its legal team about the SHA’s decision.
