Feedback from the public preferred private property over public lands for the business
Huntsville Council decided against allowing a proposed sauna and cold plunge operation on municipal property following public consultation results presented at its September 30, 2026, meeting.
The proposal originated with an April deputation from Mike Prince requesting permission to operate a sauna and cold plunge at River Mill Park/Town Docks. Staff subsequently reviewed the proposal, and Council deferred a decision in June to allow for public input.
The Town received 384 survey responses, with 271 respondents also providing comments. Staff reported the majority of respondents identified privately owned or leased property as the preferred location for the business.
Approximately 59.6 per cent selected private property, while 23.1 per cent chose River Mill Park west of the public docks near the community garden.
Comments included support for the proposal as a tourism initiative, along with concerns about congestion and limited downtown parking, environmental impacts, potential costs to taxpayers and the use of public land for private business.
Councillor, Bob Stone, said the results were clear and consistent with feedback he had received. He supported keeping the operation off municipal property while having Town economic development staff continue helping Prince find a suitable private location.
“It’s a fun idea,” Stone said.
Councillor, Scott Morrison, noted there was also considerable support for allowing the operation on Town property. He said feedback from business owners favoured a municipal location, while environmental concerns were raised by the Lake Vernon Association, including the potential for substances such as shampoo and phosphorus to enter the water.
Morrison questioned whether locating the operation on private property could actually leave the Town with less control over environmental safeguards than it would have through a municipal lease agreement.
Staff indicated they could investigate what environmental conditions or operating requirements the Town could impose and where authority may fall under another jurisdiction.
Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, questioned whether staff had capacity to continue assisting with the proposal. Staff indicated a new employee was expected to begin the following week.
Morrison suggested the Town could potentially revisit it later if it’s installed elsewhere, which would give them a chance to see how things go.