The Tim Hortons in the University Centre (UC) underwent a major overhaul over the summer, and opened for business on Oct. 3.
Ed Kane, Carleton’s assistant vice-president (university services), said the location was updated because of aging infrastructure.
“As the UC was over 10 years old, it was time to renovate the outlet,” Kane said.
“The renovation included the demolition and removal of the old outlet, construction of the infrastructure to expand the facility and upgrading of the surrounding space.”
Some students at Carleton said they were “annoyed” by the long waiting lines and limited menu.
“The long line was horrible. I had to wait 15 minutes just for a drink,” Marc Donovan, a second-year engineering student, said.
“I feel like (now) it’s appealing and definitely better than before. It’s a warmer environment, and not as run-down and ghetto as before.”
Prior to the renovations, the UC Tim Hortons only served drinks and baked goods—sandwiches, soups, or other meals were not served at the location.
Bhavna Kochhar, a third-year commerce student, said she felt the location’s closing was inconvenient, and forced her to go get food from places on campus that were a little pricier.
“As a student, I feel it was pretty inconvenient, as the fourth-floor Tim’s had already been shut down for a Booster Juice, and then this one has been closed for the whole summer and well into the first month of the school,” Kochkar said.
“Because my classes are in Southam and Loeb mostly, it’s a little far to go to River Building [Richcraft Hall], Residence Commons or Athletics for Tim’s.”
Kane said the new UC location will have better facilities for students.
“The additional menu items and layout will provide more choice and an increase in speed of service,” he said. “The renovated store will provide additional menu items, three serving [lines] and one pick-up line, new seating and a refreshed look to the overall space.”
Kane said plans for the renovation have been in the works since fall 2017.
He added that all Tim Hortons locations on campus are eventually updated due to age and condition. It was the UC location’s age that made it the choice this time around, he said.
Photo by Marieta Osezua
