Pirates came to the Rose City Tuesday night to parley over a section of the Welland Recreational Canal they'd like to use this summer.

Craig Bagshaw and Rodney Moore, owners of Pirate Ship Cove in Jordan Harbour, were before city council to talk about a possible move to Welland.

"Our lease is up, and we've grown every year and have run out of space." said Bagshaw,. "You have what we think is the perfect location."

The two men have operated Pirate Ship Cove for five years. Bagshaw said he had seen news reports about Welland looking to get into the waterpark business.

Ward 3 Coun. John Chiocchio has been pushing a swimming area in the recreational canal and last year asked that an inflatable waterpark prototype be set up at the Lincoln Street Docks for the 2020 season.

"This might be a good partnership. Dan Degazio (Welland's general manager of economic development and recreation and culture) showed us around the recreational canal and we picked a tentative spot that would work well for us and our patrons," said Bagshaw.

Bagshaw and Moore are eying an area off Thorold Road just south of the current community boathouse. They said the floating park would not interfere with other activities in that area of the recreational canal. Barriers would be erected around the site.

"It's very family-friendly and there's no environmental impact," said Moore, adding with all the features the park is 45 metres wide and 61 metres long.

He said it's mandatory for people using the waterpark to wear life-jackets. Council heard there are lifeguards on duty and that one of the two men is always on site supervising the water park. The site also has security to prevent people from using it after hours.

"We'd look at a special rate for residents of Welland," said Moore, adding the facility would be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including holidays.

After the presentation, Chiocchio said he was excited about the idea and wanted to know how far along the discussion was with the city.

Bagshaw said the pair were ready to go, it was just down to sorting out dollars and cents and items such as washroom/change room facilities and a food concession.

"Things we can iron out quickly. We're looking to be here this coming summer."

Bagshaw said the space at the north end of the canal would allow the water park room to expand and the hillside could be used for people watching their children play on the water.

He also said Pirate Ship Cove wouldn't be against using the community boathouse, which will be vacant once the city moves its rental program to Lincoln Street Docks.

Bagshaw said the business has seen steady growth.

"We had more than 6,000 people last year … and from Year 1 to Year 2 we doubled our square footage."

He also told council the Jordan Harnour site averaged a couple of hundred people on weekdays, at least 350 people on weekends, and could hold a maximum of 450 people at one time.

Degazio told council there would be a report coming and that the city will further explore the idea with a goal being an amicable agreement.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

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