Since 2012, Kent Park’s small building has been home to Belly Ice Cream Company. With the lease being terminated on mutual terms between the Town and the company, the Town is now trying to determine the best use for the park.
Councillor Nancy Alcock brought a recommendation forward at the May 24 General Committee meeting that staff investigate future revenue options for Kent Park.
She said that she had been approached by the Muskoka North Good Food Co-op who expressed interest in using the space. “Would council consider going out to an RFP to see if there’s anyone else that’s interested or would they rather not use the space at all for vendors?” asked Alcock. “I’m putting it on the table just to say there’s some interest to use that space.”
Councillor Stone liked the idea for the short term, but said that council needs to rethink how it wants to use Kent Park in the future. “I think we need to relook at the community improvement plans for the downtown,” he said. “(Kent Park) isn’t parking and it’s not a park so I’d like to see long-term plan for that. In the meantime I love the idea.”
Councillor Det Schumacher referenced the “controversial nature” of the process when Belly Ice Cream Company was permitted to use the building. “I’d be totally in favour of opening it up,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to get into that scenario again.”
The Town’s CAO noted that Town staff “were of the understanding that we had an alternate lease for that building” and otherwise would have begun a Request for Proposal process sooner. In a later conversation with Doppler she confirmed that the interested party in that case was the Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce.
“I would prefer not to go to RFP only because the summer is now,” said Councillor Alcock. “I don’t know what our options are… Is there a way to shorten the process?”
Town staff did issue an RFP on June 1 with bids closing on June 16. The evaluation criteria include economic impact and job creation, financial benefit to the municipality, and alignment of the proposal with the Town’s strategic plan.
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Pam Carnochan says
I liked the use of the building being a signature local business that is trying to put us on the map, and they make awesome ice cream too. Let’s celebrate and create success for all business in Huntsville
Shelley Westgarth says
For the record, we were NOT given the option to renew, no ‘mutual agreement’ whatsoever
Annmarie Boehm-Tapley says
Would love to see an opportunity for local, small retail businesses, artisans, and start-ups to rent a short term pop-up space like this little building for a week or two during the Summer and shoulder seasons to sell retail products downtown. A lottery system could be used for all who are interested to assign weeks, with Mondays as move-in/out day. This would provide visitors with an interesting, frequently changing selection of locally produced products and works of art.
Bill Beatty says
Perhaps an explanation from theTown Staff of the circumstances should be forthcoming. It appears government is not your friend Shelley !
Shelley Westgarth says
Apparently not.
Craig Nakamoto says
I love this idea Annmarie, I wonder what kind of interest it would get? I suppose it would depend on how much rent was charged – if any, it could be a revenue sharing model as well.
Jonathan wiebe says
I like that idea as well.