A small cafeteria inside New Westminster City Hall is under scrutiny after claims it has lost nearly $350,000 in taxpayer money over the past three years.
The cafeteria, known as the Five Eleven Bistro, is located in the basement of city hall. Though it is open to the public, it mostly serves city staff. Many residents were unaware of its existence until a recent financial report brought it to light.
A standard breakfast at the bistro costs less than $6. However, critics say this low price comes with a high cost for taxpayers.
City Councillor Daniel Fontaine recently shared concerns about the cafeteria’s financial records. He stated that over a three-year period, the bistro has operated at a significant loss — a total nearing $350,000. This amount, he says, is directly tied to taxpayer money.
Fontaine explained that he only became aware of the losses after asking for detailed cost breakdowns. He believes the public has a right to know how their money is being used, especially when it goes toward city-run services that are not well-publicized.
The councillor also raised questions about why the cafeteria is still running at a loss. He mentioned that there has been little effort to fix the financial problem or to be more open about it.
Some critics say the city should rethink whether it makes sense to run a cafeteria that mostly benefits staff but is paid for by the general public. Others wonder if changes could be made to reduce the financial burden or open the space to more people.
Supporters of the bistro argue that having an in-house cafeteria helps staff stay productive and close to their workstations during breaks. They also note that the food is affordable and convenient. However, these arguments may not be enough to quiet the growing concern over the losses.
City officials have not yet released a formal statement responding to the report. It’s also unclear whether steps are being taken to review the cafeteria’s operations.
The issue has sparked broader discussions about financial transparency and spending at the municipal level. Many residents are now asking how much other city-run services are costing them without their knowledge.
As inflation and rising costs continue to affect cities across the region, there is more pressure on local governments to justify their expenses. Small programs like the Five Eleven Bistro can quickly become high-profile topics when large amounts of money are involved.
Experts in public spending say it’s common for municipal cafeterias and similar services to operate at a loss. However, they emphasize that cities should be honest and clear about those losses, especially if public money is being used.
Fontaine said he plans to continue pushing for answers and hopes that shining a light on this issue will encourage more open communication from city officials.
Residents of New Westminster are waiting to see whether changes will be made. Some have suggested closing the cafeteria or finding ways to make it self-sustaining. Others say they want more details before drawing conclusions.
For now, the Five Eleven Bistro remains open — and under a very public microscope. Whether it continues to operate in its current form may depend on how the city addresses the concerns raised in the coming weeks.
