January 27, 1999
To:Economic Development Committee
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:Extension of Concession Stand in Earlscourt Park
Purpose:
To ensure unbroken delivery of concession services to this park pending a more comprehensive city-wide review of
concession services.
Source of Funds:
None.
Financial Impact:
This concession agreement calls for a rental fee of $300.00 payment to the Corporation of the City of Toronto.
Recommendations:
1.That the current agreement between the City and Mr. Luis Fernandez to operate the snack bar at Earlscourt Park on a
seasonal basis be extended for the next two (2) seasons to October 31st, 2000.
2.That the operation of this snack bar continue subject to the terms and conditions as set out in this report in the form
acceptable to the City Solicitor and the Commissioner of Corporate Services.
Background:
On June 12, 1997, the Board of Management of the former City of Toronto granted approval to the request of Mr. Luis
Fernandez for permission to re-open the snack bar in Earlscourt Park on a pilot project basis. Mr. Fernandez operated the
snack bar in 1997, however, given the time to bring this building up to operating standards, including the late start of his
operating season, the Board approved an extension of the pilot project for Mr. Fernandez to operate the snack bar for the
1998 season.
Mr. Fernandez has worked hard at making the facility at this site a viable operation since his opening. Over the last two
summers, he has upgraded the equipment and improved the overall service of the snack bar operation. In light of this, Mr.
Fernandez is requesting an extension for the upcoming 1999 season and the year 2000, subject to the same terms and
conditions.
Comments:
The contract is now expired and does not explicitly provide for an extension. Mr. Fernandez is proposing to operate the
Earlscourt Park snack bar for the upcoming 1999 season and the year 2000. The Department is supportive of this extension
given that the contract is a relatively minor one and that the service being provided should continue without disruption at
this site.
Further, the Department is initiating an extensive review of concessions under its jurisdiction across the new City. This
review will examine both internally provided concessions and contracted concessions and is expected to take two years
from generation of recommendations to full implementation. Further, comprehensive, standardized by-laws relating to
concessions and other goods and services agreements need to be established.
Given the history of past concession operators at this location who failed to operate this snack bar with any success, Mr.
Fernandez has provided the appropriate service for the past two (2) years at this site, and given the time line for the full
harmonization of concession revenues, staff believe that the extension of this particular contract is appropriate.
Mr. Fernandez has made considerable effort to clean up and refurbish the snack bar building, employing six (6) part-time
staff so that it is once again functional and "marginally profitable".
Contact Name:
Mario Zanetti
Director of Parks and Recreation
South District
Tel. No. 392-7252
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
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