Extension of Boat Livery Concession - Toronto Islands

(Ward 24 - Downtown)

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (January 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

This report authorizes the extension of the contract for Boat Livery Concessions at the Toronto Islands with the current proponent for a period of one year on the same terms and conditions as outlined in the current agreement.

Source of Funds:

The rental receipts from this contract are a component of the operating budget submission of the Department.

Recommendations:

(1)That the current contract for Boat Livery Concessions with Jain and Company of Canada Limited be extended for a period of one operating season to expire on September 15, 1999.

(2)That a comprehensive strategy for contractual and concession revenues for the department be developed and reported to the Economic Development Committee in 1999.

(3)That appropriate City staff be authorized to give effect thereto.

Background:

Jain and Company have operated a boat rental concession on the Toronto Islands under contract to the department since 1994. A related company provided these services for the previous ten year period from 1984 to 1994. The contract was awarded following a comprehensive Request For Proposal (RFP) process that was conducted in late 1993. The current proponent is up to date on all of their responsibilities and has shown to be a prudent operator.

Through the Amalgamation Process, the Parks and Recreation Division has developed a new mission and vision and completely restructured its operations. One of the components of the restructuring is to complete a review of all of the major revenue contracts that the Parks and Recreation Division is engaged in and to develop a new strategy to capitalize on the new critical mass of agreements that were administered by the former municipalities.

For this reason, we recommend that this contract, which is the only major contract at the Toronto Island that has come to term, be extended for a period of one operating season on the same terms and conditions. This will continue the services to the public and continuity in revenue while a full review of the concession and contract situation on the Islands is completed during 1999.

Conclusion:

Going to a full RFP and Tender Process for a one operating season contract is not prudent or cost effective in this circumstance. This extension will allow sufficient time to complete the concessions study and ensure that the City is maximizing our return from a number of concessionaires.

Contact Name:

John A. Macintyre

Director, Central Services and the Waterfront

397-4451