Centre Wellington council has passed a bylaw that will allow citizens free use of part of Bissell Park to operate a community kitchen.
The group, known as KIPP (for Kitchen in the Park Project) is hoping to sell such things as bread and pizza when it is operating. The proposal came to council last year, and the group is still seeking funds to get the kitchen cooking. It’s latest effort is to apply for a Trillium fund grant.
The bylaw gives the organizers five years of use at the park, and the kitchen might be part of a larger plan for Elora’s biggest parkland area.
There is a proposal for a huge auditorium for the Elora Festival, as well as an ice rink and other amenities.
While the land use is free, council has insisted the group construct its own facility using its own funds, and be in compliance with all laws, including the township sign bylaw. As well, the proponents will have to provide liability insurance of $2-million.
The township will do normal maintenance at the park, such as lawn cutting, but the proponents will be responsible for their security of their operation, and also be responsible for all site servicing fees in accordance with the townships fees and charges bylaw.
The bylaw includes a clause that states that if the proponents do not meet all the requirements of the township and the township deems there is a threat to public safety, the township can terminate the agreement.
As well, the proponents can also terminate the agreement by giving 60 days of notice to the township.
The issue has been before council several times, and council concerns about undercutting taxpaying businesses were alleviated when the proponents said their would charge fair prices for their products.
They are hoping the kitchen will prove to be one more tourist attraction for the community.
