Grinovitch noted that the Food Bank’s lease with the Centre states that they would be given 90 days’ warning before an eviction, but the eviction notice from the municipality arrived with fewer than 60 days to comply.
Councillor Ian MacLeod said that he was disappointed in the Food Bank, noting that the decision to close the old wing of the Centre was made in October of 2008, though no date was set then.
Dortman replied that they have been considering options on an ongoing basis. “We can look all we want,” she said. “If there’s nothing that fits the bill, we could look for three years and still not find a building.”
She said that the Centre serves their needs, but that having their own building would be ideal, if council would allow them to stay at the Centre long enough to get things done.
Councillor Gary Taje said that he feels council should keep the Food Bank at the Centre for another year. “Council should be giving you that time,” he said.
Council passed a motion by Councillor Taje to enter into discussions with the Food Bank about the possiblity of acquiring land.
Councillor Taje made a second motion, to allow the Food Bank to remain at the Centre until alternate accommodations can be found. Councillor Dean Ward moved to table this motion to a future meeting, and the motion to table passed 4-3, Mayor Irwin and Councillors Taje and Mitchell opposed.