No beach-side refreshments

Doors stay shut at des Cèdres beach canteen

This summer, it appears the canteen at the parc des Cèdres beach will be closed once again.

“Nope, there’s nothing going on for the canteen. From what I noticed, there’s no real interest in operating that canteen. If someone is interested, it could be fun,” said Aylmer councillor Josée Lacasse. The canteen is located inside the beach pavillion along with public washrooms, shower and city storage. The beach and park are used by thousands every week during the summer months, starting with the first sunny weekend.

 

Managed for several years by Place aux Jeunes, the canteen and mini-putt closed several years ago. The Grande-Rivière school association had used the facility to raise funds for its annual school trips abroad, but this exchange program with French students has been closed. Since then, the canteen has remained empty.

“No, I did not solicit anyone to operate the canteen (this year). Last year, I tried to interest the ice cream store, La Cigale in Chelsea,” added Lacasse.

 

The councillor noted that the canteen lacks a fridge, and its other facilities are not up to par to operate a snack bar.

“We hope it will be renovated, but this might not be required with the new four-season pavilion,” she added. A pavilion is slated for the Marina and Park des Cèdres’ forthcoming upgrades. For other food options, Councillor Lacasse said that, besides the Marina restaurant with its expansive deck, an ice cream vendor makes the rounds near the beach.