Joanne Shuttleworth, Mercury staff Mon Apr 30 2012
  |
| Loonie changes
Various Ontario parking authority machines do not accept the
new 2012 loonies and toonies, which are made with different metal and
are slightly lighter than their predecessors.Mercury News Services file photo |
GUELPH — Owners of coin-operated laundromats feel like they are being taken to the cleaners as they bear the cost of changing washers, dryers and bill-changing machines to accommodate the new slimmed-down version of the loonie and toonie coming out of the Canadian Mint. The same is true of vending machine companies or anyone else who works with coin-operated equipment. “It feels like every time Ottawa introduces a new product, we have to upgrade,” said Dave Johnston, owner of the Guelph-based Davey J’s Vending Service. “I heard about this a while ago so all my machines are upgraded already. I guess I had my rant six months ago.” The Canadian Mint is now making $1 and $2 coins with steel instead of nickel because it’s a less-expensive option. The Mint expects to save about $15-million a year by making the switch. Johnston estimated it cost him about $5,000 to recalibrate all of his 80 machines, plus his time. “And when they start making $5, $10 and $20 dollar bills with plastic, I’ll have to change my bill-changing machines again too,” he said. “Maybe they consulted with the vending association (Canadian Automatic Merchandising Association), but they didn’t consult with me. I’m just a small show.”
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Don Quixote Note: There is
$77,000 in the Vernon 2012 budget to cover the costs of programing and
converting the Cities Parking Meters to accept these new coins. Some
Vending machines in the local area may have to be reprogrammed to accept
these lighter weight new coins. All old coins remain in use and are
still legal tender.
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