Businesses, organizations and individuals all have an opportunity to bid on operating the concession at Powell River Recreation Complex.
City of Powell River council voted at the August 29 meeting to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to provide food services at the concession facilities.
Councillor Debbie Dee pointed out there was a good discussion about the issue at the July 4 committee-of-the-whole meeting when Danielle Craigen, president of CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 798, made a presentation to ask elected officials to reconsider issuing an RFP. “I think there were some really good ideas that came out of it,” Dee said. “This doesn’t preclude CUPE from actually putting in a proposal themselves or somebody coming in and partnering with them.”
Councillor Jim Palm said he has been receiving quite a few questions around the issue from the hockey community. “It’s been a tough year, the past year, without having food services at the complex,” he said. “But, when you’re losing money in an endeavour and money is getting shorter all the time, it’s important to look around and see what we can do to replenish our coffers.”
Council decided to close the concession after the hockey season ended in 2012 as part of budget reductions. According to information from the parks, recreation and culture department, the concession lost $16,389 in 2011, a deficit that is covered by revenue from property taxes.
Council has decided that the concession can only be operated if there were no cost to the city. “Management staff has determined that this is not achievable using city staff to operate the concession facilities,” wrote Bill Reid, director of parks, recreation and culture, in a report to council, which he presented at the July 4 committee-of-the-whole meeting. “It is believed the only way to operate the concession facilities at no cost to the city is to contract this service out to private suppliers of food services.”
According to the lease rates bylaw, the city would be guaranteed about $925 a month, or approximately $11,000 a year, based on the square footage of the concession facility.
CUPE has disputed some of management’s claims about the concession and had wanted council to give the union an opportunity for more discussions about its plans for the facility.
