Can we believe in Sedric’s?

‘I believe in Kamloops,’ said builder Doug Wittal back in April when he and others announced the big Sedric’s theme park project.

These days, the project seems to be losing some steam and some people are wondering whether to believe in Sedric’s. They’ve seen other big ideas like Padova City and Frontier Town come and go.

A lot of folks are still pulling for Sedric’s, but other than the hoopla at the official announcement, 2009 wasn’t a banner year. For your reference, as you watch the Sedric’s story unfold, here’s a chronology of the project to date:

April 8 – With much fanfare, plans for the $250-million Sedric’s Adventrure Resort and Theme Park are unveiled. The project includes two hotels, a water park, a 3,000-seat multiplex, a convention centre, two fast-food restaurants and commercial office and retail space. It seems ambitious, but everybody including Mayor Peter Milobar and Chief Shane Gottfriedson express confidence.

 April 14 — The project is being met with “optimism, skepticism and curiosity,” according to a report in The Daily News. Spokespersons for Sun Rivers, KIB, Kamloops Exhibition Association and Mount Paul Golf Course are hoping for spinoffs.

 June 9 — Sedric’s is still going ahead, says Thomas Aubrey. “Things are rolling along, better than anticipated. The planned opening is the same, next summer. We’re on schedule for that.” Doug Wittal acknowledges the project is “a touch behind.”

 Sept. 3 — “The project is going ahead,” says Wittal as he waits for word on an application for a federal loan. MP Cathy McLeod says she supports the project. Even though construction was supposed to have been started during the summer, Aubrey says planning and engineering is proceeding.

 Oct. 8 — Sedric’s is turned down for a federal loan of $17 million.

 Dec. 19 — Aubrey says old badger dens on the KIB property are delaying Sedric’s. An investor for pre-building costs has pulled out, leaving it $150,000 short. There are some issues involving the KIB sewage plant. Chances of opening in 2010 are slim, he says. And, a bill from Ragan Creative, a local advertising firm that developed Sedric’s website, hasn’t been paid. Neither has TRU, which put on the official announcement in April. Aubrey says the website has been shut down because it’s not needed, but that bills will be paid.

 Dec. 24 — Bryan Wickham, vice-president of aquatics for the project, aims a few shots at Aubrey, saying the badger issue was actually resolved back in June. He blames Aubrey for unpaid bills and lack of progress. Wickham says despite all this, he believes the project can still succeed.