The Municipality of Callander is looking for proposals from those interested in operating the canteen in Centennial Park during the 2023 season. So far, municipal staff have received one letter of interest regarding the opportunity, however, more would be appreciated, staff noted in a recent report to council.
“There may be others who were not aware of the Request for Proposal,” to operate the canteen, staff outlined to council, “and may see this as a new opportunity.” Hence, the proposal will once again be opened to the public.
In June of 1994, the Callander Lions Club proposed to council it would like to construct a kitchen and storage addition to the existing washroom facility at the park. The next year, the canteen was constructed. Since then, Lions Club members operated the canteen during Callander’s Fun Fest and Canada Day celebrations.
Staff plan to discuss “the procurement for the canteen” with the Lions Club “prior to making any decisions.”
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As for the kitchen space, it is “completely commercial” and includes a large professional grill, two deep fryers, two fridges, a three-basin sink and a separate wash sink. There is a fire suppression system and has been “inspected and approved by the health unit every year,” staff noted, except for the past two years “due to the pandemic.” The kitchen has not been used for over three years.
But it is ready to go, so if you want to get cookin’ at the canteen or have some pop and chips to sell to park-goers, keep an eye on Callander’s website as the municipality will be launching the call for proposals soon.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.