PETER CONRADI/Bullet News
The Niagara Parks Commission has scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. this afternoon at which time they will reveal details about the boat tours in the lower Niagara River.
The Ontario cabinet was to learn the identity of the successful bidder to run the lucrative tours, known as the Maid of the Mist since 1846.
Niagara Parks Commission chairwoman Janice Thomson said this morning she is hosting the press conference but would not discuss details.
The Province ordered the Niagara Parks Commission to open the tour boats to competitive bidding in 2009 following complaints the owners of the Maid of the Mist had been awarded an untendered contract.
Ontario Tourism Minister Michael Chan issued a statement aroud 3:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, in advance of the media conference, saying the government went out of its way to ensure the selection process was fair.
Chan did not say who has been awarded the contract, only that details will be announced at the media conference.
Here is the text of Chan’s statement:
“Today marks the culmination of an extensive process to ensure that all interested parties had the opportunity to submit proposals through an open, fair and transparent competition.
“My ministry appointed a Fairness Commissioner, a Procurement Advisor and a naval architect to work with the Commission to develop a Request for Proposals and to oversee the process to ensure fairness. The Fairness Commissioner has attested that the process was carried out fairly and that the procurement process included provisions to prevent unfair advantage and conflict of interest. This process has upheld our government’s values of openness, transparency and accountability.
“A competitive process has resulted in the land lease that provides Ontarians with better value for money.
“It will help grow our economy, create jobs and offer exciting tourism experiences for Ontario families and visitors to Niagara Falls.”
This story has since been updated. Please click HERE to find out who the successful bidder is.
One Comment on "UPDATED BREAKING NEWS: Details of Niagara Parks Commission boat tours to be announced this afternoon"
The Niagara Parks Commision owe former NPC board member Bob Gale 300 million votes of thanks for doing his job correctly. A job that I know came with a tremendous personal and financial cost.
And giving credit where credit is do. Behind the scenes Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor strongly supported by Minister Chan kept the pressure on the government to do the right thing despite much criticism.
As a result of this combined effort a flawed process was reversed resulting in $300 million more revenue to preserve our park.
While the process of changing the leadership and management of the NPC was not pretty.
This result speaks loudly and clearly for itself.
More important it shows that the integrity of a single board member can make a huge difference. Ontario should honour Mr. Gale’s service.