Elliot Lake Chief Administrative Officer has made public a reply to Andrew Young, owner of the FireSide Classic Grill and FireSide Food Shop and to Young's criticism of the recently revived Age Friendly Delivery service.
Young said the publicly-subsidized service competes directly and unfairly with his business, FireSide Food Delivery, as well as other local food delivery businesses.
"I understand your perspective and can only offer this in response, at least at this particular time," wrote Gagnon,
"The Age Friendly Delivery service is not intended to compete with your operation. In fact, I think our targeted markets don't much converge. It is intended solely for essential items for vulnerable people. We limit orders to 20 items or so 3-4 days supply of essential stuff," he said.
Gagnon offered to put Young in touch with staff at the recreation department; the people charged with taking orders for Age Friendly Delivery, so he can see what people are ordering.
"That may be worthwhile insight for you," he said. "I imagine you will see a lot of clearly basic food and essential items for people living on a fixed income and scared to go to stores."
He also said council is reviewing this issue and other pandemic impacts at its meeting on Monday, Jan. 10 and that he is available to talk further as needed.