(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

Vernon's rebranded waterslides may open as soon as Canada Day.

Formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, Cultus Lake Waterpark owner Chris Steunenberg purchased Vernon's waterpark in 2019 with big plans for renovations, renaming it Splashdown Vernon. 

"At this time our opening date has not been announced, however we do anticipate that we will be open by Canada Day this summer," according to an email from the waterpark.

Tickets are currently available for purchase on Splashdown's website from July 1 to Sept. 5. A full day pass is $30 while a twilight pass from 3 to 6 p.m. is $20. Children under 36 inches in height are free, according to the website. Social distancing measures will be in place and customers are expected to bring their own masks to the park. 

All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges.

As more British Columbians get their COVID-19 vaccinations, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has eased restrictions on outdoor sports, indoor dining and indoor small gatherings.

If at least 65% of those ages 18 and older receive their first COVID-19 vaccination and coronavirus case counts and hospitalizations remain low, indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people may go ahead this month, according to the province's restart plan. The earliest start date for phase two of the province's restart plan is June 15.

By July 1, phase three would see a return to indoor and outdoor gatherings, festivals and fairs with COVID-19 safety plans in place and no group limit on indoor or outdoor dining. The province would need to see decreasing COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and 70% of residents to receive their first vaccine for this step to occur.

Vernon's waterslides first opened in 1983 and have had several owners over the years, including one that went into receivership.

The Okanagan once had several waterparks but over time real estate values made housing more profitable than running a waterpark.

READ MORE: The business of summer fun: How one Vernon water slide business stood the test of time

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