Bashaw town council gave approval for a vending machine featuring 3D printed toys to offer its wares in the local arena. The decision was made at the Jan. 2 regular meeting of council.
Councillors heard a presentation from Dustin Hemingson, who requested permission to place a vending machine in the Bashaw arena that offers for sale 3D printed toys he himself makes locally.
Hemingson appeared in person but also referred to a letter he and Robyn Hemingson previously sent to council.
“We would like to approach the council and town with an inquiry of putting in a vending machine at the Bashaw arena with 3D printed ‘micro mini’ animals and other items including but not limited to bouncy balls and sticky hands,” stated Hemingson’s letter.
“With both of us being in the community nearly daily, we can easily maintain and service the machine in a timely manner during operation hours of the arena, no additional access is required. A contact number will be left on the machine as well.”
Readers should note a 3D printer is a machine that can process generic solid material called “filaments” into a wide variety of items.
During his presentation Hemingson stated a small toy or item available to kids or parents at the arena may help pass time while families are waiting for an event to end.
While the vending machine idea will feature toys aimed at kids, Hemingson stated he’s seen plenty of interest from adults in the items too.
The Bashaw toymaker stated he’d like to start with one machine, leave it in the arena year-round and see how it’s received, and if the reception is strong he hopes to expand.
Coun. Bryan Gust asked about security issues, and during discussion it was suggested a culprit may pick the machine up and take off with it, for example.
Hemingson responded he’s never heard of that happening especially at a busy location like the arena although he understands there’s always a risk of someone trying to break into or otherwise interfere with it. He also pointed out the vending machines are relatively secure and the items within would be small and probably wouldn’t attract a criminal’s attention.
To illustrate, Hemingson provided some toy samples to councillors so they could understand the size and scope of the offering, including a dinosaur and shark. Hemingson suggested they would each be sold in a plastic ball container.
He noted however that while most of the toys would be small, they can range in size greatly. He also reiterated that he would make his own toys locally, which are more financially viable than licensed toys from brands such as Pokemon.
Mayor Rob McDonald asked Hemingson if the vending machine was somewhat like a gumball machine and the toymaker answered “Yes.”
Later, councillors debated the proposal. They seemed receptive to the idea but were concerned about what type of toys would be available and the unplanned effects they could have inside the arena.
Coun. Kyle McIntosh cited both the bouncy ball and sticky hands as toys that could affect activities at the arena or cause issues for arena staff. Both are rubber toys, one a miniature ball, the other a hand-shaped item that sticks to walls.
McIntosh also reminded his peers Bashaw town council is in the process of negotiating with community volunteers to take over operation and management of the Bashaw arena. He wondered if the vending machine request was something those volunteers should consider.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller responded that Hemingson’s proposal doesn’t appear to involve large amounts of revenue and added the community volunteers informed her they won’t be ready to negotiate with the town until about February.
Fuller also pointed out council could approve the request with certain conditions, such as “no bouncy balls”.
Coun. Gust warned that if one vending machine request is granted, council may receive more of them. Councillors agreed granting Hemingson’s request would appear to set a precedent.
Councillors passed a resolution granting Hemingson’s request until the end of the current arena season with the condition no bouncy balls or sticky hands be available.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
