In January, in The Coast’s annual “Fix the city” issue, we called for more concession stands and cafes in public parks. Now, one community group is taking up the challenge.
The Shubenacadie Canal Commission is a non-profit organization charged with stewarding and promoting the Shubenacadie Canal, which stretches from downtown Dartmouth to the Bay of Fundie. The Commission owns the Fairbanks Centre in Shubie Park, and is looking for a vendor to open a cafe or kiosk on the building’s patio, overlooking the canal lock.
“The park is busy,” says commission volunteer Suzanne Roy. “And we noticed that every other person was carrying a Tim’s cup, so we thought this might be a good way to generate a bit of revenue. Also, it would make the Fairbanks Centre a more user-friendly building, and we’d increase visits to the canal museum.”
The commission has asked for expressions of interest. It can provide water and electrical hook-ups, and possibly free wi-fi. “We think this first season a vendor would just want to test the waters, with maybe a kiosk selling ice cream and water,” says Roy. “But down the road we envision a full-fledged cafe.”
Interested parties should email [email protected], or call (902) 462-1826.
