Centre Wellington council has been planning improvements to Bissell Park here; and those might soon include the aroma of fresh baked bread and pizza wafting across the grass.
Staci Barron and Dr. Trish Van Katwyk came to the committee of the whole meeting on Dec. 7 to explain their plans, called the Kitchen In the Park Project, or KIPP.
Two years ago, council approved a master plan for the park that included pathways and boardwalk, an upgraded parking area, a garden area with some accessible gardens, a multi-use outdoor recreation area to include covered performing area, plus facilities that would double as an ice rink and basketball court, and public washrooms. The park, the largest in Elora, would also keep some naturalized areas and a large open grass area.
Parks and Recreation Director Andy Goldie introduced Barron and Van Katwyk and explained his department was approached over a year ago about the KIPP.
His report stated, “The concept is two wood-burning ovens that would be very similar to an existing wood oven stove operation in Dufferin Grove Park in Toronto.”
That park has a huge use. It has a rink and basketball court, plus it holds Friday night suppers and sells all kinds of baked goods. It uses vegetables from the nearby community gardens to make soup available.
He said that park’s success with ovens has created a sense of place and community ownership for the park. He added the more activity there is in a park, the lower the vandalism. As well, he said, neighbours are aware of the plans for the expansion of park use, and they approve.
Goldie called the proposal “a unique opportunity.”
He said it encompasses a number of community groups. A number of residents have asked about a community garden there where people could grow fruit and vegetables, and the idea also meshes with the eco-tourism efforts of the area, which includes promoting locally grown and made food.
“I think it ties in beautifully with the master plan,” Goldie added.
Van Katwyk said the organizers believe the community base is there to make the operation work.
“We’re reaching into as many parts of the community as possible,” she said, noting the effort could work with the Elora Farmer’s Market, community fundraisers, and the Centre Wellington District High School’s Food School.
She added there could be arts based performances in the park, as well as a connection with Women in Crisis.
Barron said there are a number of local people involved, including well known restaurateur Resa Lent, and there are people with contractor connections that could help build the ovens and obtain material for construction.
She added there are more people who can “contribute in a meaningful way.”
She explained because the project meets eco-tourism criteria, she is hoping it can obtain grants, and she is also hoping for some help from the Waterloo Wellington Futures Development Corporation.
She said organizers are looking at various ways of fundraising to get the project started.
The bake ovens would be located southeast of the current skating rink in the park.
The projected price is $26,667 for the launch, with two ovens.
They were not asking for funding from council, but only a place in the park to locate the project.
Councillor Walt Visser said it will take a lot to get started, but he wanted to know what will happen later, if interest wanes.
Van Katwyk said they are trying to develop a core of volunteers, and are working with someone who works to organize volunteer groups, so they can get everything done right.
She said with the Futures Development Corporation, there is the possibility of hiring an intern, and they are also considering memberships and other funding ideas.
Visser then asked if the enterprise will be in competition with other businesses that pay taxes and have high overhead.
He cited those who sell bread and pizza, and asked, “How do they feel?”
Barron said, “Whoever makes the best bread wins.”
But, she added, they are considering specialty breads that cost $4 to $5 a loaf. She added the place “will need to be self-sustaining.”
Van Katwyk said, “We’re not looking to be Elora’s best bakery.”
Visser said operating a place on township lands is “not really fair, but I’m encouraged you’re not giving stuff away or undercutting [regular prices].”
Barron said the group hopes to bring in top people to offer workshops on such things as bread baking.
Councillor Shawn Watters praised the plan as a good community initiative.
He said it was like the good example set by the Elora Lions Club, which has “gone down there [into the park] and done a good job.” That club built the pavilion and also the boardwalk, and has pledged $50,000 to continue the development of Bissell Park.
Barron noted that because of the cultural tourism, the Grand River Agricultural Society is also interested in the plans.
She explained the first phases of the building are capital costs, and there is a need for water and hydro services.
The plan projects $26,667 for the first phase. In the second phase, it shows a one time cost for water services at $30,000, and $10,000 for hydro.
That second phase also includes a framed roof support and building materials.
The second phase total cost is estimated at $66,281.
Van Katwyk said the group is working with the Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence for the best and cheapest hydro power. She added the centre is willing to help them apply for grants.
Councillor Bob Foster asked if the group is incorporated.
Barron said that is “in the process.”
Van Katwyk said it will be incorporated as a not for profit organization.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj noted the duo had handled many difficult questions, and punned “You’ve certainly been grilled.”
Council then considered a motion to approve the group’s plans in principle.
Watters said it is definitely of interest to have the group “go to the next stage.”
Those steps will have to be approved by council.
The group was seeking council support as a good way to solidify its case for government grants.
