Township approves new contract, compensation for canteen

Council members approved a recommendation from the township's recreation director on Wednesday, December 14, to renew the arena canteen contract for another three years and compensate its operator for lost revenue in late September.

The $1,000 credit was requested by the operator as the arena's ice was delayed this season because of two banquets held for the International Plowing Match.

"In a normal year, the ice would have been ready on September 8 and this year it was ready on October 5," explained recreation director Janis Renwick.

The township's recreation committee initially agreed to credit the canteen operator the equivalent of one month's rent, or $416.67, though the offer was rejected. The operator asked for the cancellation of the rent for the remainder of the season.

"The operator explained the month of September was her biggest month as all of the tryouts and early-season practices and games were well-attended by the families of the players and that later in the season, the numbers go down," noted Renwick.

The recreation director said she met with the operator and both parties agreed on a $1,000 compensation. However, the operator also asked for a six-year rental agreement at $3,000 per year, a reduction from the current $5,000 per year.

"The operator has plans to make changes to the menu, which will require some monetary investment, which cannot be made unless there is some assurance that the income will continue," explained Renwick.

Following additional negotiations, Renwick suggested that council should approve the late-opening credit for $1,000 and a three-year rental agreement at $5,000 per year. The contract will automatically renew at the end of term, with the rent to be re-negotiated at that time. A termination clause in the contract will allow either party to end it with a set time of given notice.

"We have been satisfied that the operator of the canteen provides us with good food, fair prices and friendly service," concluded Renwick. "This option would compensate the operator for some of the revenues that were lost due to the opening of the arena and it would give the operator and us a long-term commitment to have the canteen in operation."

Council approved the recommendation.