A destination concept currently being explored

Safari by the Pond is an idea I’ve been thoughtfully exploring — not as a replacement for markets or events, but as a destination experience where Street Food Safari can grow in a more intentional and sustainable way.

Over the past season, Street Food Safari consistently drew people in. Food has a way of becoming a gathering point, and time and again, customers came specifically for the trailer — bringing energy, conversation, and momentum with them.

Safari by the Pond builds on that experience.

Instead of always being the anchor for someone else’s space, this concept focuses on creating a place where the experience, atmosphere, and community stay rooted — a destination designed around food, people, and connection.

This page is being shared privately to gather feedback while the idea is still taking shape.

The Vision

Safari by the Pond would be a welcoming outdoor space built around food, conversation, and community.

A place where:

• travelers can stop, stretch their legs, relax, and enjoy a meal

• locals can meet friends for breakfast, lunch, or supper

• people can linger, talk, and reconnect without feeling rushed

• families and visitors feel comfortable spending time together

The goal isn’t just to serve food —
it’s to create a place people choose to return to.

A Natural Destination Along the Highway

The property is located between two highway exits, creating a unique opportunity for both locals and travelers.

Visitors could:

• exit the highway

• stop for food

• walk around, relax by the pond, and enjoy the space

• then re-enter the highway at the next exit — without backtracking

With nearby services already available at both exits (gas station at one, ice cream shops at both), the location supports easy flow — while Safari by the Pond offers a stop that feels worth taking.

A Place for the Community

Beyond travelers, Safari by the Pond is envisioned as a place locals can make their own.

A space where people:

• meet casually without needing a special occasion

• bring visiting family or friends

• spend time without feeling hurried

• return regularly because the atmosphere feels familiar and welcoming

Not transactional.
Not rushed.
Just a good place to be.

Markets, Yard Sales & Signature Sundays

I’m also exploring the idea of hosting regular events at Safari by the Pond, including:

• yard sale days

• special themed gatherings

• a signature Sunday market

The intention is not to create a small or secondary market — but to build a market people plan around and don’t want to miss.

How this evolves will depend on interest, support, and sustainability, but the focus is on creating something vibrant, well-supported, and worth showing up for.

A Home Base for the Safari Fleet

As Street Food Safari continues to explore franchising and expansion, Safari by the Pond could also become a gathering and launch space for multiple Street Food Safari trailers.

If additional themed trailers come online — such as Mexican, Jamaican, Asian, Greek, Italian, or dessert-focused concepts — this space could:

• host special market days featuring multiple Safari trailers

• serve as a launch location for new trailers

• bring different cuisines together in one place under the Safari brand

This would allow the Safari story to come to life in a shared space — for customers and future Explorers alike.

Pavilion Seating & Event Possibilities

Longer term, I’m exploring the addition of covered pavilion seating to support both everyday use and larger gatherings.

Concepts being considered include:

• a main pavilion for regular seating

• a second pavilion designed for weddings and special events

• seasonal enclosure options using removable clear panels for rainy days and cooler fall weather

These ideas are still in the exploration phase and will depend on feasibility, cost, and demand.

Early Feasibility & Due Diligence

As part of exploring this idea responsibly, I’ve already taken a few early steps to understand what may be possible.

I’ve confirmed with the Regional Development office that operating a food trailer on the field is permitted.

I’ve also spoken with Public Health, who confirmed that operating on-site would be acceptable provided appropriate requirements are met, such as access to a portable washroom.

These conversations don’t represent a finalized plan or formal approvals — but they do confirm that the concept is feasible in principle and worth exploring further.

Still Taking Shape

Safari by the Pond is not a finalized plan.
It’s a concept grounded in real land, real experience, and real community.

This page exists to gather honest feedback while the idea continues to take shape.

Your thoughts, questions, and perspective are genuinely appreciated.