Extension of Concession Stand in Earlscourt Park
(Ward 21 - Davenport)
The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following
report (January 27, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism:
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
