COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake is considering a proposal from a local entrepreneur to set up a seasonal food vending booth at Kinosoo Beach, offering a dining option for beachgoers this summer.
The portable building, set to remain in place from May through September, could become a new summer staple for visitors, according to the City of Cold Lake.
The idea was discussed during the Feb. 18 Corporate Priorities meeting.
“We do have a local business person that's interested in operating a seasonal food vending booth at Kinosoo Beach to complement food that is typically served from the concession building or mobile vending units,” said Andrew Jabbs, manager of Land Use Planning, Development, and Regulatory Services.
Jabbs said a 12-foot by 12-foot portable food booth would be placed near the mobile vending area at Kinosoo Beach.
The proposed structure would remain at Kinosoo Beach for the entire summer season, marking a shift from the usual mobile food units, which are moved off site at the end of each day.
The parcel of land where the structure is proposed to be located is owned by the City of Cold Lake and is zoned Beach District, which permits temporary buildings and eating establishments.
Jabbs pointed out that similar setups have been successful in other Canadian cities. “You'll see places like Halifax, Nova Scotia, Victoria, British Columbia, and even the City of Leduc, have used these buildings to offer temporary services at destinations where people commonly gather.”
One concern raised by Coun. Bill Parker was whether the proposed location would provide enough space for other activities, such as sailing and water sports. Jabbs acknowledged the concern and assured that it would be considered during the approval process.
Coun. Bob Mattice asked if the new food booth might compete with current offerings, suggesting that an agreement could be necessary to avoid overlap.
“The intention would be to be a different operator with serving food that is intended to complement, if you will, so to not be the same as what's offered at that concession, but to offer a variety of choices,” Jabbs said.
Garbage control was another issue raised by the committee, with Parker noting the need for sufficient waste disposal options in the area.
CAO Kevin Nagoya reassured the committee the City had already planned to add more garbage bins for the upcoming season, including five for the Kinosoo Beach area.
As the proposal moves forward, there are still questions surrounding leasing and potential fees. Coun. Chris Vining noted the lease agreement should be structured as a trial, reflecting the City’s willingness to explore the initiative without committing to a long-term agreement initially.
“I think it's a kind of a low risk move because once you've kind of sorted a spot for it, it’ll be gone at the end of the summer,” said Vining, adding, “I think it has the potential to be a really cool thing going on.”
Mayor Craig Copeland noted one aspect of the proposal that differs from past vendor placements in the area.
“What's most fascinating about this application, is it's on the opposite side of what the mobile vendors all wanted, which was to be on 1st Avenue,” Mayor Copeland said. “This application is actually on the other side of the park.”
Administration brought the proposal to council to solicit feedback. The feedback gathered will be used to refine the proposal and to back for further discussion at a future meeting.
