Took a day trip to the Elora gorge with the family and the a/c was working fine, temps were in the mid 30's C. So I think my initial concern stemmed from the auto function being switched and not expecting it to take so long to spool up. Thanks to all for the details around that.

I have had the discussion with the wife :-), but good information all around. I will stick my head in the engine bay and look for the refrigerant indicator. And now know why those keys and fob are so expensive to replace.