BANFF - The concessionaire of the canoe operation on the Bow River looks set to have its contract with the municipality renewed for two years if terms are agreed upon.
BANFF - The concessionaire of the canoe operation on the Bow River looks set to have its contract with the municipality renewed for two years if terms are agreed upon.
Council voted 5-2 to direct administration to enter into negotiations with the current canoe concession operator, Banff Adventures, for a two-year extension to Oct. 15, 2020.
Mayor Karen Sorensen and Councillor Grant Canning opposed the extension for philosophical reasons, arguing there should be a public bid process for 2019-24 operations given there is at least one other interested party.
"It's not because of the current providers, who are doing a great job," said Canning, who added the company runs a great business.
"But when you're dealing with a public contract, it's important go back out and allow others to participate in the process."
Coun. Peter Poole said he supports the two-year extension, noting Banff Adventures has improved its operations every year.
"However, I philosophically do agree with the idea of sequential competition and I think in two years we should open it up to competition," he said.
Banff Adventures has operated the canoe concession for the past four seasons.
The existing lease is a five-year agreement expiring on Oct. 15 this year, with an option for a two-year extension if both parties agree upon terms. The lease includes restrictions on pricing, number of boats, uses, and season of operation.
It also specifies that the canoe dock is a municipal recreation facility, and public access must be maintained.
"They have met or exceeded the obligations of the lease," said Kelly Gibson, the Town of Banff's corporate services director.
"Administration has a good working relationship with the existing lessee and no issue with entering into an extension based on performance."
