Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

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.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Fire destroys Manitoba Ave home, residents escape

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Marc Gallant / Winnipeg Free Press. Local- Weather standup. Sundog. Refraction of light through ice crystals which caused both the sun dog and and fog along McPhillips Road early Wednesday morning. 071205.
  • Down the Hatch- A pelican swallows a fresh fish that it caught on the Red River near Lockport, Manitoba. Wednesday morning- May 01, 2013   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Will you go see the kangaroos at the Australian Outback zoo exhibit?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google