Fish and Chips at the Beach

a Vancouver Tradition

May 16, 2005 - We're all gearing up for those long, luxurious days of summer and where else to make the most of all the season has to offer than on our beaches and parks? And when we think of a summer outing, whether it's a leisurely cycle around the Stanley Park Seawall, an intense game of volleyball at Kits Beach, or a quick dip with the kids at New Brighton Pool, more often than not we also think about the pleasures of summer eating. What better way to top off a day at the beach or at the pool than a visit to one of our parks' food concessions?

Concessions are open from late morning to dusk every day from Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day. In keeping with the times, this year the Park Board has made some important changes to its concessions. Fish and chips are now prepared "trans fat free." You can choose from a wider variety of fresh food selections. The coffee, hot chocolate and sugar now fall under fair trade guidelines.

These long time fixtures in our parks continue to provide affordable, portable food for the park visitor - from the old stand bys - hot dogs, hamburgers, fish and chips, to new additions - tofu hot dogs, veggie burgers and fresh food, such as wraps and sandwiches that are prepared in the Park Board's own commissary and distributed to the fourteen concessions that dot our beaches and parks.

A visit to one of our concessions is a long time Vancouver tradition that recalls carefree summer vacations and family outings to the beach, sharing fish and chips (vinegar, tartar sauce or ketchup?) with your best friend or indulging in the cool delights of an ice cream bar or an ice cold drink for no particular reason at all.

Food concessions in our parks have a history that dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. As our parks developed, food services became an integral part of a visit to our parks and beaches. Up until 1932 park concessions were contracted out to private operators, but the Board decided to take over the operations in the 1930's. In the 1940's, the records show that the current stand bys - hamburgers and hot dogs - were the most popular concession food.

Most of the existing concessions have been around since the 1950's and early 1960's. In 1966 you could buy a hamburger for 35 cents, fish was 10 cents per portion and a chocolate bar was 5 cents. Although prices have risen with the times, the Park Board has always maintained a policy of keeping prices affordable. In the early 1990's the Board made a long term commitment to renovate and update the park concessions, a process that continues today.

So enjoy a day in the park or at the beach and remember to stop by one of our concessions. (P.S. - for their sake, don't share your meal with our wildlife, please!)

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