Despite the fact that a motion was passed at SSMU Council reaffirming clubs and services' priority in the Shatner building, VP Finance and Operations Imad Barake said that the Operations Committee also needs to consider the proposal's revenue-generating potential.
"Our first and foremost concern is to consider whether the proposal caters to students' needs and whether it would be able to promise a space-friendly environment," he said. "Given the large complaints filed by student groups about the lack of funding and the financial strain that the acquisition of Haven Bookstore has put on SSMU's budget, the Operations Committee need to consider whether another student-run operation can be supported on the budget."
If ACE McGill succeeds in taking over the lease, UniversiTea Lounge will be run by two individuals who cooperated with the group in the creation of the project. ACE McGill would take on an advisory role and act as liaison between SSMU and the owners of the café.
"If our proposal gets adopted, we hope to engage in further discussion with SSMU about the profit-sharing system to ensure that the owners would be able to invest in the café project both financially and emotionally," Tulchinsky said.
Other groups who are contesting for the spot include Cafe Supreme, Java U, MTY Group, Sustainability Café and 9125-1510 Quebec Inc, the current
Caférama operator.
2008 Woodie Awards
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