In an effort to complement its four-seasons lifestyle, the Town of the Blue Mountains (TBM) is taking steps to establish new food services in the municipality this winter.
“This is to accent the potential machine-groomed trails at Tomahawk. The idea is to have a food truck service at Tomahawk for food and non-alcoholic beverage operations,” said TBM CAO, Shawn Everitt.
At a council meeting held on Monday, TBM council approved creating a series of groomed trails along the Georgian Trail and the town-owned Tomahawk Golf Course.
As an add-on, TBM staff proposed the idea of establishing a food service operation to offer those enjoying outdoor recreation the ability to purchase food and drinks.
In the coming weeks, TBM will be issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for the proposed food and non-alcoholic beverage services.
While the Tomahawk location was the initial intent, through the RFP, TBM staff will be developing other location options.
“Right off the bat, I'm thinking of Cedar Grove Park. It's a flat area, it's got some services there. It's nice and close to downtown,” noted Everitt.
“That's an excellent location. A little bit of signage right off Georgian Trail, I think that that would be fairly easy to make happen,” added Ryan Gibbons, director of community services for TBM.
In the anticipated RFP, TBM expects to charge operators a minimum fee of $2,400, on the basis of $25.00 per day from Dec. 14 to March 21.
Food service operators would also be responsible for the cost of hydro, as well as any associated levies from Business Improvement Associations, which would depend on the site location.
Town staff have and will continue to engage with the Grey Bruce Health Unit to ensure all operations are in compliance with COVID-19 public safety protocols.
In the staff report to council, Everitt also noted that TBM staff have consulted with the Town of Collingwood for guidance on preparing the RFP.
"The Town of Collingwood did permit the opening of food trucks and their requirements and conditions will provide a good base for inclusion in the RFP package that a successful bidder would be required to fulfil," Everitt noted.
Along with providing enhanced offerings to residents and visitors, the winter food services will also allow the town to offset some of the costs associated with opening and maintaining the groomed trails at Tomahawk and along the Georgian Trail.