Skip to content

Millennium Park Concession had a successful year

Profits up as Castlegar park visitors consume 2300 pounds of potatoes.
9672712_web1_170619-CAN-M-concession-copy
The concession stand at Millennium Park had a successful year thanks in part to Emily Postnikoff (left) and Morgyn Ahlefeld (right). (Betsy Kline/Castlegar News)

Castlegar and District Community Services Society (CDCSS) executive director Kristein Johnson made a presentation to city council recently updating them on how operations at the Millennium Park Concession went this year.

CDCSS has been operating the concession for the past two years as a social venture merging social services, employment training and revenue generation. The venture employed five people full-time and one part-time. Many volunteers also helped make the concession a success.

Johnson reported that the agency saw more profits this year than the first year so they were able to but $14,848 back into programs and services.

Sales increased by $12,000 and the group hopes to do even better next year. CDCSS is hoping the city will extend the concession contract for three more years.

Concessions staff saw a high volume of bumps, bruises, scrapes and bee stings from park visitors so CDCSS plans to provide next year’s employees with a first aid and CPR course before the season opens. Fentanyl training and Naloxone kits are also in the plan.

Johnson reported that staff had encountered a fair number of intoxicated or passed-out people, explaining the need for Naloxone training. She also said that they observe people drinking alcohol and collect a lot of alcohol bottles and cans on site.

Council was concerned with the alcohol use and will be asking the RCMP for more patrols at the park.

“That is good information to have, we can pass that on to the RCMP and ask for increased patrols for sure,” said Coun. Dan Rye. “If that is happening, we need to be on top of it.”

CDCSS has been listening to customer suggestions and is planning an updated menu next year including some healthy options.



Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
Read more