City council renews contract for operation of Cosmopolitan Lodge

Other councillors said the lodge menu needs an update as well, arguing it needs more fresh foods.

Jody Boulet, director of community services with the city, said some improvements to the lodge operation were identified by both the city and the Métis Women’s Group during regular discussions. The city has also taken into consideration feedback from the public, he said.

“I think there’s some achievable things that have been noted,” Boulet said. “We wanted to note some of those in the report to make sure that they’ve been identified because we have heard them from the public, and we are working toward a solution.”

In a report to councillors, city administration said other ways operations at the lodge could be improved include the addition of an air fryer and panini press for food preparation and more fresh foods versus fried. The two sides also discussed offering different flavours of coffee, a special deal of the week, adding a Wi-Fi hotspot to the lodge, uniforms for staff and new décor. A chalk board with inspirational quotes would also help make the lodge more inviting, the report said.

Noreen McBride, Prince Albert Métis Women’s Association director, said the organization has been operating the Cosmopolitan Lodge for 14 years and would like to continue holding the contract. She said the organization supports upgrades to the area.

“We have been there for a long time and it’s nice to see changes are starting to happen, so I think it’s the investment in the park the community is looking for,” she said. “I don’t know if the community is so concerned with who’s running the park, I think they’re concerned with the services that are offered out there.”

While the lodge is used for business and family events and by community groups, McBride said the organization is working to bring in new business as well. As for comments representatives with the lodge are tough to reach, McBride said the facility is open seven days a week until 9 p.m. during the winter, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer.

“Just changing things up a little bit to try to attract a different group of people that possibly have not been using the Cosmo lodge yet,” she added.

Boulet said the city is starting work this spring on a new master plan for Little Red River Park, which will give the public a chance to consult on future plans for the area.

“A lot of people choose to go out there as individuals or families, they may not be necessarily a member of one of those user groups, they just go out for their general enjoyment,” Boulet added. “We want to make sure the consultation process is done in a professional way that can outline some opportunities for us in the future.”

There have been several upgrades done in Little Red River Park in recent years, including new animal-proof garbage bins, removal of wood bins around the park in favour of a permanent wood shed near the Cosmopolitan Lodge, new tables, the removal of old tree stumps and enhanced lighting. The riverbanks have also been built back up following significant flooding in the park.

“Little Red certainly is another one of our key locations in the city, we’re fortunate to have that kind of nature park so close to the urban centre and the investment that we want to phase in to our budget process is something I think will be outlined in the plan,” Boulet added.

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt

by Charlene Tebbutt

City council renews contract for operation of Cosmopolitan Lodge

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