Putting the adrenaline into Headingley

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This article was published 10/12/2010 (5643 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new $5 million recreation complex un­der construction in Headingley could end up producing an economic windfall for the local economy, says the head of the local chamber of commerce.

Jill Ruth, president of the Headingley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the privately-financed Adrenaline Adventures project will significantly increase the local tax base. It could also attract hundreds of new visitors to the community on a regular basis, she added.

“From the point of view of the chambers we are excited to see projects like this one going ahead,” Ruth said.

Winnipeg based developer Jason Rohs recently announced plans to build the recreational complex on a 30-acre parcel of land in east Headingley.

The complex — which will be located near the Perimeter Highway — will feature two wake boarding lakes, a multi-lane snowtubing hill, three ziplines, a 570,000-sq. ft. clubhouse, a 200,000-sq. ft. man-made beach and possible water park.

Rohs said his development will benefit Headingley and neighbouring municipalities.

He said the project has attracted the attention of officials with the World Wakeboard Association. Rohs said he is already in discussions with the WWA about hosting the Wakeboarding World Cup as early as next summer.

The price tag for hosting the event could be as high as $200,000, he said.

“The single biggest issue that we need to overcome is the accessibility of the site,” Rohs said.

“The roads need to be improved to accommodate the high volume of traffic the Wakeboarding World Cup will bring and we are in talks with the province to make this happen.”

Rohs said he is discussing details of hosting the international event with the city and the province and is hopeful that an agreement can finalized in January.

“The tourism potential for Manitoba is huge if we host this event,” he said. “We are potentially talking about 300 pro riders, their guests and patrons of the events all from outside of Manitoba.”

 Rohs said construction of the complex is already well underway with the wakeboarding lakes expected to be completed by early next summer.

Construction of a snowtubing hill should be completed soon and is expected to be open for business by Dec. 18. It will feature a full-sized tow rope system.

Municipal officials in Headingley say the recreation complex is good news for the community.

“This will bring more attention to the community and provide a new service that isn’t in existence here now,” said chief administrative officer Chris Fulsher.

Ruth said she hopes the owners of the recreation park become active members of the chamber because “it will increase the value of support that our chamber can offer to the business community in Headingley.”

To find out more about adrenaline adventures visit www.adrenalinemb.com.

prescott.james@canstarnews.com