New menus, services, festivals coming to Assiniboine Park

More large events and improved services could be coming to Assiniboine Park. CTV’s Jeff Keele has the latest.

Before hitting the ice on the duck pond, skater Pam White had lunch at the Assiniboine Park’s cafe with friends.

She said the park has a lot to offer.

“What I really like is being out and about in the fresh air, it’s close to where we live,” said White. “I really like the Cargo Bar.”

Coming soon, there could be even more reasons to visit.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy, a not-for-profit that runs the park, including the zoo and The Leaf, has signed a profit-sharing agreement with hospitality company Levy Canada.

Conservancy CEO Ray Karasevich said Levy will pay for capital upgrades, improve the park’s restaurants, banquets, and retail operations, and help add more services. He said one potential option could include mobile ordering.

“Individuals being able to have food delivered to their picnic sites, possibly having some mobile retail where a runner might be able to come, get a sports drink, or some sunscreen,” said Karasevich.

Karasevich said since 2008, visits have doubled from less than five million to more than ten million a year.

“There’s huge potential here with those big numbers with being able to offer more options for individuals at all price points, you know, including free.”

Levy is also expected to attract big events, not unlike the comedy festival, which has been deemed a success.

In a statement to CTV News, Levy Canada President Jeff Bell said they are thrilled about the partnership.

“Partnering with like-minded organizations like APC means we can use our industry-leading expertise and innovation to elevate APC’s offering, attract exciting events and festivals, and strengthen its position as a premier cultural attraction,” said Bell.

Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood Coun. Evan Duncan said the deal is exciting.

“It’s not often that a billion-dollar company comes to Winnipeg and wants to do business here in the park,” said Duncan.

The conservancy is promising no layoffs as a result of the deal, saying all current staff will remain employed and be able to transition to the new provider.

But the union representing workers at the park has concerns about the agreement. CUPE Local 500 President Gord Delbridge said he is concerned about the employees and the park’s future.

“Winnipeggers want to see their public parks remain public and accessible,” said Delbridge. “This sends ripple effects through the workers there.”

The conservancy said the partnership does not impact any unionized staff.