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A new café could be operating at Lanark Lodge by Christmas after Lanark County’s Community Services Committee supported a plan to convert the home’s existing Tuck Shop space.
The committee voted Wednesday to recommend that county council authorize up to $65,000 from the Lanark Lodge Resident Donation Account for the renovation.
Councillor Brian Dowdall said it will be a great addition to the Lodge.
The existing Tuck Shop has traditionally operated one day a week with the help of volunteers. Under the proposed changes, the space would become a café serving residents, families, visitors, staff and allied health partners seven days a week.
The café will be operated by Jazzy’s, a Perth café owned by Kelsey Dold. The county says Jazzy’s was selected following an Expression of Interest process in June and demonstrated the experience, staffing and supplier relationships needed to operate the service.
The café would offer beverages, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, snacks and grab-and-go meals. Food would be prepared off-site at Jazzy’s health unit-certified kitchen.
Director of Long-Term Care Shawna Stone said this has been a long-standing resident request.
Tuck Shop volunteers will continue operating during construction from a temporary location. The renovated space will include an area for the Tuck Shop to continue alongside the café.
The local health unit has approved the proposed café area and renovation plan. Final costs will be confirmed through procurement, with the county targeting a Christmas opening.
The recommendation will go to full county council for a final vote.
