Skaha Marina’s operations is going out to a Request for Proposal.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Penticton council voted in favour to send the RFP out with a closing date of Nov. 30.
“This is another important milestone in seeing the vision for the marina in the Skaha Lake Park East Plan become reality,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki. “Council appreciates the ongoing stewardship of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the transparency involved in the process to identify a long-term operator for the Skaha Lake marina.”
This RFP is to seek an operator for the marina for up to 25 years, including much-needed upgrades to the aging docks.
The RFP proposal requirements include plans for marketing, operations, maintenance, design and construction, environmental protection, financial contribution and viability, and risk mitigation and provides a template for the Management Operating Agreement.
“We’re working towards confirming the operator early in the new year and having a clear plan in place in advance of the next boating season,” said the City’s general manager of community services Anthony Haddad.
Penticton’s Skaha Marina could see a new long-term operator by April 2022.
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 in upgrades. It will also be up to the new operator if Nautical Dog continues there.
READ MORE: Penticton’s marina could have new operator by April 2022