The city of Cold Lake is reviewing a proposal from a local entrepreneur to set up a seasonal food vending booth at Kinosoo Beach, the portable food stand planned to operate from May through September would stay in place for the entire season unlike mobile food trucks that leave daily.
“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,” explained Andrew Jabbs, the city’s manager of land use planning, development, and regulatory services.
The city-owned site near the mobile vending area has the necessary permits for temporary buildings and food businesses, making it a suitable spot for the proposed 12-by-12-foot structure. Jabbs said that similar seasonal food stands have been successful in other Canadian cities, including Halifax, Nova Scotia, Victoria, British Columbia, and the city of Leduc, where these buildings are used to provide temporary services at popular gather spots.
A concern about whether the proposed location would provide enough space for other activities like sailing and water sports was raised by councillor Bill Parker. Jabbs acknowledged the concern and assured that it would be considered during the approval process. Councillor Bob Mattice, also raised the issue of competition with existing vendors, suggesting that an agreement may be necessary to avoid overlap. Jabbs said that the booth’s menu would complement, rather than duplicate current offerings.
Another issues raised was garbage control, with Parker emphasizing the need for more waste disposal options. CAO Kevin Nagoya reassured council that the city had already planned to add additional garbage bins for the upcoming season, including five for Kinosoo Beach.
Councillor Chris Vining suggested structuring the lease as a trial to test the concept without long-term commitment.
Mayor Craig Copeland noted that the booth’s proposed location differs from past vendor preferences, “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,” he said. “This application is actually on the other side of the park.”
City administration will refine the proposal using council feedback before bringing it back for further discussion at a future meeting.
