The Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre canteen will reopen next ice season - but who will run it is unclear.
In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Wawa Municipal Council received a report from Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson on the reopening of the canteen - as directed by Council in January - noting that it was "a little challenging" to do so mid-season, but they were able to make it through, focusing on a more limited menu to avoid waste, even making "a small profit" under $300 for the season, though that does not count certain costs, which Patterson estimated to be about $2000, still calling it one of the better years for the canteen, with some exceptions.
Patterson then outlined a recommendation to again take canteen operation to a request for proposal for next season, but suggested a major difference from the last attempt: have the RFP for renting the canteen "as a facility" rather than "as a service", noting it would add some risk with the Municipality losing control of aspects like operating hours but he was also fairly confident the profit motive would help.
Councillor Joe Opato spoke in favour of the idea, but pushed for a backup plan of the Municipality running the canteen if the RFP process doesn't work out - like last season - with Councillors Cathy Cannon, Mitch Hatfield, and Jim Hoffmann agreeing, though Mayor Melanie Pilon - who'd previously been less deadset on reopening the canteen - voiced her opposition, saying it doesn't fit the Municipality's vision of sustainable services if it can't break even and if people really wanted it, the proof would be there, emphasizing they're "not running a charity" and one or two tax bills have to cover the cost.
The recommendation - with Opato's suggestion - was brought up in last night's regular meeting of Council, with Councillor Hatfield confirming the timetable that would be followed - Patterson assured he'd put out the RFP over the summer and ensure arrangements are made so someone operates the canteen for the 2023-24 ice season - before going to a recorded vote at the request of Mayor Pilon, who was the sole vote against the idea.