Request for Proposals at Popular Beach Locations

January 15, 2002 - At its regular meeting last night the Vancouver Park Board approved a staff report recommending that a Request for Proposals (RFP) be issued for new food service operations at Kitsilano Beach and Sunset Beach to replace the existing take-out concessions.

The staff report sited the year 'round traffic generated by the popular seawall route combined with a changing user demographic and improved service as key reasons why a more diverse food service is desirable.

The RFP will be seeking those restaurateurs interested in investing significant amounts of money to build and operate new food service facilities to benefit both residents and visitors alike. It is expected that the results of the RFP process will be brought back to the Park Board for their final approval in April.

Key RFP criteria includes:

• Year-round operation.
• Two levels; the lower level a take-out service with outdoor patio seating and an upper level with a café/bistro and upper deck seating.
• A restaurant liquor license will be considered for the café that meets license requirements for the upstairs only, not on the beach.
• Public washrooms and space for a lifeguard operation at Sunset Beach. (The lifeguard station and public washrooms at Kitsilano will remain at there present location.)
• Take-out menus for beach patrons and café menus with a variety of items that are suitable for both adults and children.

For further information please contact Philip Josephs, Manager Revenue Services at 604-257-8436.