Failed Theme Parks and Hostage Negotiations

Failed Theme Parks and Hostage Negotiations

From Canada is Boring by Jesse Harley, Rhys Waters

March 9, 2026 · 40 min · Episode 507

About this episode

This episode explores the tragic story of Eddie Haymour and his failed attempt to create a Middle Eastern-themed mini theme park in British Columbia.

In this episode of Canada Is Boring , Rhys shares the unbelievable true story of Eddie Haymour , a Lebanese-Canadian businessman who tried to build a Middle Eastern–themed mini theme park—complete with pyramids, mini golf, restaurants, and a giant camel—on tiny Rattlesnake Island in British Columbia. After years of obstruction, permit battles, and discriminatory treatment from provincial authorities, Eddie’s life collapses: his finances are ruined, his marriage ends, his house burns down, he’s confined to a psychiatric hospital, and the government seizes his island—later ruled illegal by the courts. Pushed to the brink, Eddie's next move was impossible to see coming. For premium content, socials, merch, to leave a voicemail or message us go to canadaisboring.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Rhys

Topics covered

  • theme parks
  • business failure
  • mental health
  • legal battles
  • Canadian history

Keywords

  • Eddie Haymour
  • theme park
  • Rattlesnake Island
  • British Columbia
  • business failure
  • mental health
  • legal issues

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Canada Is Boring

Places: Rattlesnake Island, British Columbia, Canada

More episodes of Canada is Boring

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Canada is Boring podcast page.