CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - The UPEI student union is looking to give its campus bar a makeover this summer with renovations and upgrades estimated at $400,000.
Will McGuigan, the student union’s vice-president of finance, said a major part of the renovations is to bring Mickey's Place Coffee Kiosk into the Wave bar area as well as update the space with better seating, a better atmosphere, outlets for laptop computers and improved internet access.
“Just update the space since it hasn’t been updated in a very long time,” added Josh McInnis, the Wave’s manager.
McGuigan said the work is expected to start in May. To cover the costs, the student union is waiting on approval for a loan from the university.
“We just have to wait for (the university’s) board of governors meeting to vote on it. But, it’s gotten through the finance committee already,” he said. “When we get approval, we’re going right to tender to get some contractors.”
The renovations and upgrades are expected to be ready in September.
McGuigan noted that the student union borrowed money from the university to cover its part in 2002 when the W.A. Murphy Student Centre was built.
Given the age of the building, it’s time to update the space, he said.
Besides the planned renovations, the bar has been busy updating its menu this year to include more vegan and vegetarian options with a focus on local products, said McInnis.
