Proposed Lease of Parks Work Boat (Ward 24 - Downtown)

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (April 19, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism subject to amending Recommendation (1) to indicate that the Chair, Economic Development Committee be consulted with respect to the elements of the lease.

Purpose:

The report dated March 17, 1999 and discussed at the Economic Development Committee meeting of March 29 and April 6, 1999 was referred back to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism with a request to approach other boat operators to ascertain their interest in the Parks and Recreation Division Work Boat and report back to the Committee with the findings.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)staff negotiate a lease agreement for the Parks work boat "P and P1" with Toronto Tours Limited for the period May 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999;

(2)a full Request For Proposal process be undertaken for the year 2000 operating season; and

(3)appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

The Economic Development Committee requested further information on the proposal to lease the Parks and Recreation Division Work Boat (P and P1) to Toronto Tours Limited from May 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999. Other boat operators in the Toronto Harbour area were approached to determine if there was an interest in leasing the vessel for the 1999 season. Charter companies, the water taxi service and the Island Amusement Park operator declined to express an interest in leasing the vessel for the 1999 season.

Toronto Tours Limited has confirmed that the vessel would be made available for special tours, visiting dignitaries or economic development activities. The 1999 season is rapidly approaching and it is essential that the proposal be considered by the Committee if this proposal is to be implemented for the forthcoming season. In the fall of 1999 a Request For Proposal involving the Finance Department will be arranged for the year 2000 season.

Conclusions:

The proposal to lease the "P and P 1" by Toronto Tours Limited is a favourable one, and should be implemented on a pilot basis this summer.

Contact Names:

Doug McDonaldJohn Macintyre

Operations Support CoordinatorDirector of Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation DivisionParks and Recreation Division

392-8578397-4451