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Council weighs private services for city golf courses

City Council's alternate service delivery committee voted in favour of "managed competition" to stop financial losses at the Kildonan Park, Windsor Park, Crescent Drive and Harbour View golf courses.

This morning, the committee unanimously voted to look at the cost of operating the courses under public or private agreements and involve working with city unions to see if they can provide services for less money than cost estimates submitted by the private sector.

The report recommends none of the courses be sold.

CUPE president Mike Davidson questioned how the city expects to save money on golf course operations with a private contractor, as most golf services staff are students who make only $11.90 an hour.

Last fall, the city released an expression of interest to see if anyone wanted to purchase or take over the long-term leases of the Canoe Club, Crescent Drive, Harbour View, John Blumberg, Kildonan Park, Tuxedo or Windsor Park golf courses.

The EOI came after city auditors found the courses racked up large debts and suggested Winnipeg sell some of them or convert them into parks.

City property director Barry Thorgrimson said officials will now assess the courses to see if the city has deferred maintenance. He said officials will review the lease proposals with contractors and union officials and make recommendations on how to proceed by late fall or early winter.

The recommendations will have to be approved by city council.

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