Drouin and Hunter go head to head
Le Groupe Village Vacances Valcartier has announced the construction of a $50-million waterpark resort outside Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Meanwhile, Rick Hunter, owner of ProSlide Technologies, plans a rival waterpark nearby.
According to Valcartier group president and CEO Guy Drouin, SunnyLand Amusement Resort will open June 2009. The first phase will involve an investment of $30 million and include a large waterpark and campground. The entire project will involve more than $50 million over a 10-year period and estimated regional economic benefits will be more than $750million over the first 10 years of operation. Around 550 full-time seasonal jobs will be created.
The resort’s 700 camp places will provide affordable accommodation for people who want to see the sights in Ottawa. If the park is a success, a hotel could follow in future phases. The Valcartier group currently operates a smaller waterpark outside Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Drouin adds there will be more than two dozen rides and attractions at Sunnyland, including a wave pool capable of holding 2,000 people and more than 20 other water rides, themed rivers and attractions for all ages. Meanwhile Hunter, who also operates a waterpark north of Ottawa, originally promised 10 rides when he announced his park in November.
Drouin and Hunter have known each other for years. Hunter has built rides for Drouin’s Quebec City park, but Drouin will look to other suppliers for the Sunnyland. Instead of doing business together, they will now be spending millions competing.
