The proposed splash pad in Port Elgin will move ahead next year despite opposition.
Saugeen Shores council voted 6-3 to proceed with a request for proposal to build the $360,000 splash pad in Port Elgin's North Shore Park in the spring.
The proposal has come under fire, including a petition signed by 1,700 people asking for council to look at a different location for the splash pad.
Mayor Mike Smith says council did their homework and listened to all sides before making a democratic decision, adding it's time to move forward.
Vice Deputy Mayor Diane Huber was one of three councillors to vote in opposition and says opposition to the project should have been taken more seriously.
"I think we've missed an opportunity to recognize almost 1,700 people who signed a petition asking us to take care of [North Shore] Park," says Huber. "I don't think we gave much respect to that voice."
Council will contribute $75,000 toward the construction costs, while assuming the ongoing operational costs associated with the splash pad.
Construction is expected to begin in early spring, with a targeted opening date of July 1, 2017.
