The next step in finding a long-term operator to provide marina services on Skaha Lake just got closer to reality.
A draft of the Skaha Marina request for proposal was introduced and approved by the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee at a special meeting Tuesday, Aug. 24.
The city gathered feedback from the committee before the request for proposal (RFP) was finalized and sent to city council to proceed on a decision.
The RFP is expected to go before council at their September meeting.
If council approves it, the RFP will go out with a closing date of Nov. 30. Then an operator should be selected by Jan. 15, 2022 to take over the marina operations by April 1, 2022, said the city’s community services general manager Anthony Haddad..
The candidates will have to submit financials for operating, cash flow and provide the city with a risk management plan.
The city is also taking into account sensitive environmental areas and riparian areas.
There will also be performance reviews, said Haddad.
During the June by-election, voters approved the city going ahead with a long-term contract of up to 25 years for Skaha Marina. That was decided by a narrow margin yes vote of 2,453 votes to 2,416 no.
With the marina question now approved, the city looks to attracting a quality operator to run the Skaha Marina in the long term.
Randy and Karen Gallagher were awarded a two-year contract in 2019 to operate the marina. That contract expires March 31, 2022.
In previous information meetings this year, Haddad explained that the Skaha Marina was built in the 1950s and the dock and marina are in need of replacements and repairs.
Around $1.5 million is needed to do this, he added.
READ MORE: Residents share concerns about length of marina operator contract
The city said key components of the draft RFP include full details of the services required, proposed terms of the agreement, technical information about the site, and a description of the RFP process. The draft RFP also proposes a series of criteria and weightings that will be used to score the proponents.
If interested in viewing and commenting on the draft document can do so at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca. Comments will be accepted through to Aug. 31. Once the RFP is finalized and approved by council, proponents will have about 10 to 12 weeks to prepare and submit their proposals.
“From the very start, this process has made sure the public voice is included. I’m once again pleased to see the approach staff are taking to advance this important work through more opportunities for feedback,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki.
READ MORE: James Miller voted into city council, skaha marina plan approved
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