Alas, another sad change in St Albert. All of the food concessions run by the City of St Albert are going to be run by one of the HorBuck enterprises. Obviously it’s to do with money.
In the community though it has caused some stress – the workers have all received layoff notices. But to one group of seniors it is the end of an era. The seniors who attend the Fountain Park Pool Aquacise programs will miss the small, intimate, friendly cafeteria. It is a special treat to buy an economical coffee or tea, share it with a great group of older people; share ideas, a joke, even celebrate a birthday. This will not be so easy when the private company takes over – many will not be able to afford the $3 drink every day. Not only that if this new venture takes off – getting in and out of the parking lot will certainly be an adventure. At the moment, parking places can be at a premium.
It is sad that this latest change was not shared with the people that it most impacts. This seems to be quite a common happening in this city. No one indicated that this was part of the agenda. Perhaps this is one of those changes to help the 80/20 split! The royalty payments mean more than the well-being of the community.
Maybe other seniors in this city should be looking over their shoulders. After all the seniors’ centre has a cafeteria and kitchen – some money out of St. Albert coffers is used at the centre ...
Liz Allchin, St. Albert
