City-Owned Property

Lands Management

Lands Management is a division of the Corporate Services Department, responsible for managing the City’s real property portfolio, providing advice and services in respect of land development, leasing, valuation, acquisitions and disposition of real property assets.

These functions support core City operations including infrastructure projects like road and utility improvements, park expansion initiatives, and the provision of community services.

Call for Expressions of Interest - Operation of a Concession at Chisholm Street Wharf 
Commencing June 2026

The City of Delta is advancing a comprehensive program of public‑realm upgrades to strengthen the Village’s waterfront identity, celebrate its fishing and farming heritage, and support a vibrant, walkable commercial core. 

The Chisholm Street Wharf is a signature element of this work. Its design emphasizes an inviting, flexible public space with views to the water, seating and gathering areas with seasonal programming opportunities (see Chisholm Street Wharf Design Drawings). 

The City is seeking an experienced food and beverage vendor to become an animating cornerstone of the waterfront - providing high‑quality food and beverage offerings that reflect the character of Ladner Village. The successful proponent will help attract residents and visitors, enhance seasonal and daytime waterfront activations, and contribute to a vibrant public space. Proponents should clearly demonstrate how their concept will integrate with the wharf’s design, elevate the overall visitor experience, and operate safely and sustainably within a working waterfront environment.

The City of Delta invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified and experienced restaurant operators to establish and operate an outdoor food and beverage experience at the Chisholm Street Wharf. You will be ready to launch your business at this location by June 1, 2026 with the potential for a multi-year term. This will allow you to complete detailed design, planning and permitting prior to construction.

Scope of Opportunity

We are seeking a proponent who can operate a food and beverage concession from Spring through Fall, with the possibility of extending to year-round service. The City is open to proposals that include alcoholic beverages within a defined licensed service area on the dike but could also include service to a licensed service area on the wharf. You will bring activation ideas and design elements that reflect the unique charm and character of Ladner Village.

What the City Will Provide:

  1. Licence Area
  • Approximately 320 m2 area adjacent to the Chisholm Street Wharf (see “Concession Zone” outlined in red on Location Map). Exact location and dimensions to be confirmed by applicant.
  • A seasonal licence agreement to provide term certainty to the operator.
Chisholm Street Wharf Revitalization - 2025 Detailed Site Plans (CS-LANDS)

Detailed site plans can be found here. 

  1. Base Infrastructure
  • The City will improve existing public realm surfaces (wharf/dike) with walkways and lights and will undertake routine municipal maintenance of those areas outside the licensed footprint.
  • The licence area will include a level concrete pad, designed for anticipated loading and code requirements. The pad will include appropriate subbase, drainage, and anchor points/tie‑downs as applicable. Any specialized requirements beyond the City’s standard detail (e.g., grease interceptor tie‑ins, curb walls, ramps beyond standard accessibility provisions, or increased structural capacity for unique units) are at the proponent’s cost. Final design and installation details are subject to site conditions, geotechnical considerations, flood construction levels, and regulatory approvals.
  • Access to electrical power at locations identified by the City (capacity and connection points to be confirmed with proponent). 
  • Water and sanitary service connections to restaurant service point. Final servicing strategy to be coordinated with the City.
  • Coordination regarding natural gas availability; where unavailable, alternatives may be required.
  • A site plan showing available service locations, clearances, access routes and any known underground/over‑water constraints to be provided on request.
  1. Public Amenities and Furnishings
  • Baseline seating and public‑realm elements; the City has initially proposed fire bowls for the site and will coordinate locations and safety requirements, if desired by the vendor. However, the City is open to considering alternative concepts that align with the overall vision for the space.
  • Existing public lighting to be provided on the wharf/dike. The operator is responsible for and encouraged to provide supplemental task/ambient lighting within the licensed area.
  • A seasonal washroom trailer located proximate to the concession, with placement coordinated with the operator.
  1. Municipal Operations & Maintenance
  • Regular cleaning, repair and snow/ice control of public areas outside the licensed area, consistent with City service levels.
  • Waste and recycling receptacles for general public use in the vicinity; the operator is responsible for waste generated by the concession and within the licensed area.
  • Routine servicing of the washroom trailer (e.g., cleaning and pump‑outs) to City service levels; servicing schedules to be coordinated with the operator.
  1. Permitting and Approvals Coordination
  • Municipal review/permits related to siting, servicing and signage (applicable fees apply).
  • Coordination with relevant external authorities as required for works on/over water.
    Note: The operator is responsible for obtaining all municipal development permits and obtaining / maintaining all Provincial / Federal and health approvals required for food and beverage operations.
  1. Liquor Service Support (if proposed)
  • City review of a defined licensed service area on the dike and/or wharf, subject to safety, capacity and circulation requirements. 
    Note: the City is open to permitting entirety of the Chisholm Street Wharf for consumption of food and beverage.
  • Municipal sign‑off/letter of support, where applicable, to accompany the operator’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) application.
    Note: The operator is responsible for all licensing applications, fees, staff training (e.g., Serving It Right) and ongoing compliance.
  1. Traffic, Access and Logistics
  • Defined loading and servicing windows and access routes for deliveries (subject to event schedules and waterfront activity).
  • Wayfinding standards and signage guidelines for any on‑site branding (operator to supply/maintain their signs within City standards).
  1. Engagement and Communications
  • Inclusion of the concession in City‑managed destination marketing for the waterfront, as appropriate.
  • A City liaison for coordination during design, permitting and launch.
  1.  Insurance and Risk Framework
  • Standard insurance and indemnification requirements set out in the Licence Agreement (operator to supply certificates naming the City as additional insured).

All City provisions are subject to Council approval, detailed design, budget availability, utility feasibility and execution of a Licence Agreement. The City reserves the right to adjust, substitute or withhold any item above where site conditions, safety or regulatory requirements warrant.

Proposal Requirements

Your Expression of Interest should include, at a minimum:

  1. Type of Proposed Structure and Service Area
  • Description of the concession structure (e.g., permanent kiosk, modular unit, food truck, seasonal installation) and how it will integrate with the site.
  • Description of service area including plan for seating, lighting, and heating. 
    Note – City of Delta has initially proposed fire bowls for the site.
  • Description of any activations, architectural or design features that enhance the wharf’s character and visitor experience.
  • Description of utility services connections required, including electricity, water, sanitary and natural gas.
  1. Food & Beverage Service
  • Details of the proposed menu, including both food and beverage offerings.
  • Indicate whether alcoholic beverages will be offered, how licencing will be obtained, where proposed service will occur, and how responsible service will be managed.
  1. Proposed Hours & Seasons of Operation
  • Anticipated daily and weekly operating hours.
  • Seasonal variations in hours (e.g., extended summer hours, reduced winter hours).
  • Preferred start and end months for operation each year.
  1. Licensed Space on Wharf (if applicable)
  • Proposed size, configuration, and management of any licensed seating or service area.
  1. Business Term & Financial Structure
  • Suggested term of agreement.
  • Proposed financial arrangement with the City (e.g., fixed rent, percentage of sales, combination).
  • Any capital investment commitments and associated fixturing period.
  1. Operational Details
  • Description of how the licensed service area will be operated / maintained / secured. 
  • Provide staffing plan and relevant experience of the operator.
  • Description of relevant health and safety measures.
  1. Additional Pertinent Details
  • Any unique features, programming, or partnerships that will enhance visitor experience.
  • Marketing and promotion strategies.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

  • Demonstrated experience and capacity to operate a food and beverage concession.
  • Design compatibility with the wharf’s unique setting, planned programming and support for Ladner Village Revitalization.
  • Proposed financial return to the City.
  • Ability to be operational by June 1, 2026.
  • Commitment to sustainability and responsible service.

Submission Deadline & Process:

  • Deadline: All applications received by end of day October 2, 2025, will be considered. The posting will remain open thereafter only if a suitable candidate is not found.
  • Submission Method: Email EOI Submissions to Paula Kolisnek at pkolisnek@delta.ca.
  • Questions/Inquiries: Paula Kolisnek, Manager of City Events and Initiatives, 604-952-3142; pkolisnek@delta.ca.

Properties for Sale or Lease

City of Delta manages its real property assets to optimize their use and maximize value to the community. This includes buying, selling and leasing land as appropriate. Proceeds from property sales are reinvested back in the community, with a portion of each sale set aside for future strategic purchases and land development opportunities. As required by the Community Charter, public notice of proposed dispositions of property and improvements is provided here in addition to acquisition and leasing opportunities available to the public.

Need more information? Please get in touch! Contact Delta’s Lands Manager at 604-354-6686 or lands@delta.ca.

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