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repairs underway at cultus lake waterpark following electrical incident, closure extended

a file picture of the cultus lake waterpark.
cultus lake water park bill keay / png
repairs appear to be underway at cultus lake waterpark, after an electrical incident earlier this month sent a dozen children to hospital.
in a statement posted to the water park’s website this week, management said they were “continuing to work through the inspection and approval process with technical safety b.c.”
“although we are targeting a reopening in the second half of july, tickets are not currently available,” the notice read. ticket sales have been suspended and all current ticket holders will receive refunds.
“once a reopening date, operating hours, and ticket options have been finalized, new tickets will be released for purchase.”
the message concluded by thanking patrons for their “patience and understanding as we complete the remaining inspections, repairs, and receive regulatory approvals.”
when reached for comment tuesday, a spokesperson for technical safety b.c. confirmed the agency had concluded “initial on-site physical assessments” and that the technical investigation continued but that no findings could be released yet.
“we are coordinating closely with cultus lake waterpark management as their certified individuals work to resolve the non-compliances,” the statement read.
“technical safety b.c. safety officers are ready to conduct follow-up inspections as soon as the necessary repairs are complete.”
before re-opening, the water park must complete all required repairs and receive written authorization from a technical safety safety officer.
technical safety regulates the installation and operation of technical systems and equipment, including amusement park rides and water parks.
“we understand that the closure of a popular summer attraction is disappointing for visitors and families looking forward to their summer activities. however, the safety of the public remains our top priority,” the agency said.
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earlier this month, the park’s chief administrative officer, andrew steunenberg, had said the children appear to have been shocked while in contact with a metal hand railing at the base of the zero-60 raceway ride.
the dozen children injured in the incident were students of port coquitlam’s minnekhada middle school, aged 12 and 13, who had been at the water park as part of a year-end field trip.
ten of the 12 were taken to abbotsford hospital, while two, who were rendered unconscious in the incident, were flown to b.c. children’s hospital in vancouver. police said all 12 had sustained serious injuries but were in stable condition.
at least four were discharged in the week following the incident. no updates were immediately available on the status of the remaining kids.
stephanie ip
stephanie ip

my first ever byline was as the edmonton journal comics junior cover artist in april 1996. i was paid $10 for my submission and have been a journalist ever since. after moving to b.c., i reported for various arts and community newspapers and juggled a part-time job in youth outreach, all while completing school. it gave me the chance to see some amazing bands live, write about pop culture and even meet (and interview) my heroes: weezer.

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