Harrow Arena could have a new concession stand operator come fall, that's if Essex Town Council approves a break on the rent.
Ward 4 Councillor Sherry Bondy has pushed for the move since the previous vendor dropped out last year due to the cost of operation.
A tender has come back to council proposing a subsidized rental agreement for one year that will see the new operator pay $22.60 per month.
Bondy tells AM800 News the concession stand is a sticking point for residents in Harrow and Colchester.
"They want a full service arena, like many other arenas in the area," she says.
Bondy hopes her fellow councillors see it's not a luxury for Ward 4 residents.
"It's only for a year and the concern is that it's at a reduced rate, so you never know what council is going to do. I'm in support and I hope that the rest of council will see that value in allowing this tender to be awarded, because it really is part of the arena experience."
She says the move should be approached just like any other service provided by the town.
"Here we have absolutely no risk, we still have a little bit of income and we're providing that service. Our tax dollars already subsidize a lot of recreational programs. We don't charge for cost recovery and this is just another example of a service that I feel we should provide with an open arena," says Bondy.
If approved, the lease agreement would be up for review after one year.
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi