Mark Gowland has a vision for Hamilton – and it’s a massive waterslide that’s as long as three football fields cascading down a city street this summer.

Gowland – who also organizes the Midsummer’s Dream colour festival in Gage Park – is acting as the local point person to bring Slide the City to Hamilton.

The company tours across North America with the stuff of childhood dreams: a 300-metre slip and slide that’s unfurled in a city street and revellers can pay to rocket down, riding an inner tube.

It’s a giant slip and slide – who doesn’t want that? - Mark Gowland

Slide the City successfully set up events in cities across the U.S. last summer, and now they’re looking to make the jump into Canada.

“The city is shedding its old skin and embracing a new, fun Hamilton where people get out and do things,” Gowland told CBC Hamilton. “It’s a giant slip and slide – who doesn’t want that?”

“I think Hamilton’s ready for this kind of stuff.”

City officials wouldn't comment on the likelihood of a Slide the City event happening in Hamilton until a formal application is underway, spokesperson Kelly Anderson said in an email. The company has had trouble with approvals in at least one Canadian city.

The city's Special Events Advisory Team (SEAT) reviews about 400 applications a year, ranging from small community events to large, city-wide celebrations.

"Each application is assessed on a case by case basis and the appropriate follow up is conducted by each department represented on SEAT," Anderson said. "The process to approve an event like Slide the City is dependent on what information is provided to us on the SEAT application."

Sliding events planned in other Canadian cities this summer

Slide the City events have already been scheduled this summer in Canadian cities like Edmonton, Calgary and North Vancouver.

Hamilton is actually already listed on the company’s website with a “coming soon” banner, but Gowland says he hasn’t yet made a formal application to the city. He expects to submit one in the coming days, and is currently debating the best location for the proposed event.

“I know the people at the city have an obligation to keep the city safe – that’s their job,” Gowland said. “I hope we can work together on a great event.”

According to the Vancouver Province, safety concerns kiboshed plans to bring Slide the City to Vancouver’s Main Street this summer. “At this time, the city cannot support the event due to safety issues,” Jag Sandhu from Vancouver’s communications department told The Province.

North Vancouver, however, jumped at the chance to host the event, according to Vancitybuzz. The city unanimously approved a motion this month for a Slide the City event.

'This is a really great idea'

In Vancouver’s case, Gowland says, the company was required to acquire a $5 million liability insurance policy to cover the event. Organizers also needed to reimburse the city for costs like wayfinding signage and water, according to Vancitybuzz. The water used was treated with chlorine and recirculated.

The slip and slide itself has inflatable edges and a foam cushion underneath so sliders aren’t feeling the brunt of the asphalt. Riders are also required to use inner tubes going down the slide.

A 35 to 40-foot slope would be needed to set it up, Gowland says. A full street closure would be necessary for 24 hours to give time for set up and tear down, with the actual event happening from around 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets would cost $10 for one slide and $50 for an all day pass.

The city, Gowland says, has come a long way with events, and he hopes this will become another staple in our summer season.

“I just think this is a really great idea.”

adam.carter@cbc.ca | AdamCarterCBC