A popular Orillia ice cream stand is looking to scoop up some prime real estate near its previous home.
Sweet Dreams Ice Cream has been around for more than 30 years — almost all of which have been spent as a lessee with the City of Orillia.
It has been located on the Canadian Pacific Railway right-of-way across from Centennial Park, but it needs to find another spot for next season because Centennial Drive will be realigned.
Sweet Dreams owner Perry Maksymiw recently wrote to city council, asking that the small ice cream stand be allowed to relocate to the Orillia Waterfront Centre property, right across the road from its previous spot.
“Sweet Dreams Ice Cream has been an exemplary City of Orillia lessee for 29 years and entering into our 31st season we wish to continue this contract,” Maksymiw wrote. “During this time we have employed hundreds of students/young adults and are proud to be a garbage free business with all waste products being compostable.”
Given the history of the business in that location, “the customers who have come there for many years know we’re in that area,” he told OrilliaMatters.
He wants to ensure Sweet Dreams is in a location where it can connect to services such as water, sewer and hydro, and he said he would continue to pay for those associated costs.
Maksymiw noted he has the support of Allan Lafontaine, managing director of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, which works out of the waterfront centre and operates the Port of Orillia.
“He was very supportive. He thought it was a great idea, a good fit,” he said.
The request was briefly discussed during this week’s city council meeting. At that time, it was pointed out that the master plan for the park identifies an area closer to French’s Stand that could become a spot for an outdoor vendor/food court location.
“It’s a big step forward that the new park plan does have a food court idea where you would consolidate these folks,” said Coun. Tim Lauer.
While Maksymiw said the waterfront centre property is ideal, he is interested in seeing what comes of the potential food court area and whether there would be an option to connect to the needed services.
“We’re just optimistic about staying by the Port of Orillia,” he said.
City staff will report back to council regarding the request at a later date.
