A background report by the city's Public Works director Geoff Holman presented to council Tuesday night, stated that a three-year contract awarded to Thorold Canteen Services to provide food and beverage services at the Thorold Community Arenas starting on Nov. 6, 2018, ended two years earlier than expected.
On Nov. 9, 2019 Niagara Public Health staff conducted an inspection and identified a number of health-related issues, resulting in a closure of the canteen. The vendor opted to remove its equipment rather than comply with the order.
The report continued to say that while council approved a budget of $15,000 in the 2019 Capital Budget, which has been used to complete the needed improvements, such as a new fryer/hood fan system, stainless steel sinks, electrical and plumbing improvements, a number of outstanding matters still need to be addressed to bring the canteen into compliance with Public Health regulations.
“The need for this investment comes at a time when Council will be considering a long-term strategy for the Whyte Arena,” said Holman. “Given this uncertainty, it is unlikely that the city will attract a new canteen operator,” since there was only one bidder when it was tendered in 2018.
The following options have been considered: a) securing a short-term arrangement for vending machines that will serve as an interim solution until the future of the Whyte Arena is determined by council; b) purchasing new equipment and making upgrades with the thought of operating the canteen using staff resources; or c) upgrading fridges, counters, walls and equipment and re-tendering the canteen services contract.
While providing a "practical, cost-effective, risk-free solution, ... albeit to a much-reduced standard,” Holman acknowledged that the first option is not ideal.
“Many of the user groups will express their displeasure if the interim solution remains in place too long," his report predicted.
Holman estimated the cost to upgrade the canteen for Option b and c would be $40,000 and $35,000 respectively, and recommended to proceed with the vending machine option, since it comes with little or no cost (less than $500 in utility costs) as the vendor takes all of the risk for profit/losses.
The vending machines would be an interim solution, until the fate of the Whyte (Old) Arena is decided.
Coun. Ken Sentance requested a staff report “on the feasibility of fixing our canteen to a serviceable level,” and recommended asking arena user groups (such as the TAAA, and Thorold Figure Skating Club) which dates they might need the canteen.
“I have a problem with it being all vending machines,” he added. “I think we need to look at running the canteen as well.”
Finance director Maria Mauro remarked that staff has been given “A very strict target for the budget of 2.1 per cent. We are struggling with that,” she said. “Before council makes decisions such as this, perhaps it should be deferred to the budget.”
Community services director Curtis Dray suggested that his upcoming report would, “Put vending machines in for a current solution,” and offer “a long-term solution with the canteen.”
He informed council, “We get 10 per cent commission from the machines, and we can pull them out at any time.”
