Committee reviewed the report and members suggested extending the hours of operation during weekdays due to additional people visiting the area over the past year. Members noted that, if necessary, the Township could use money from the reserve to cover the additional costs associated with extending hours. Members debated if the Township should open the canteen as currently planned, monitor the sales, and determine if there is a demand for more hours or extend the hours on Thursday and Friday. Members highlighted that any additional hours of operation would impact budget.
Members suggested that hours of operation could be advertised via social media to let the public know if the Township has fluctuating hours. Members noted their concerns with spending additional tax dollars due to the Cardinal area already having a number of restaurants which the Township should not try to compete with, as well as the concern that the canteens revenue does not offset the expenses.
Members suggested the concept of assisting local businesses by purchasing additional menu items, such as pizza, which could then be resold at the canteen. It was noted that the Township did a trial run previously of purchasing pizzas from local businesses that were sold at the arena, however the Township lost money on the project.
Committee discussed the concept of canvassing the local businesses to see if any would be interested in operating the canteen. Members noted that not many businesses would be interested once they reviewed the yearly revenue and expenses along with requiring a very strict operating agreement. Members requested that a report be prepared to review a business plan for extending hours of operating for the following options: Wednesday to Friday, and Thursday to Friday.