Losing money, CNIB closes tax centre canteen

The CNIB has closed its canteen at the Summerside Tax Centre and if it doesn't start making some money at the site, the cafeteria may be next.

The charity, which provides services for the visually impaired, says it has been losing money running the cafeteria and snack shop at the tax centre for the past three years. One person was laid off with the canteen closure.

Duncan Williams, director of service and operations for Nova Scotia and P.E.I., said layoffs of tax centre staff have affected business. Last year, the group lost almost $60,000. CNIB has raised prices at the cafeteria and changed some menu items. Williams said he has received complaints about the closing of the canteen and the lay off the person who worked there.

"The concerns that people have are certainly concerns that we share," he said.

"We don't take any decision lightly. And we don't like to say good bye to anybody, especially if they've had a long and very rewarding career with us."

Williams said if the organization doesn't stop losing money it will have to look at further changes or possibly get out of food service at the tax centre entirely.

The group has already had to get out of operating the cafeteria at the provinical government buildings in Charlottetown.