OSOYOOS TIMES-October 21,2009
By Laurena Weninger – Osoyoos Times
Osoyoos town council is ready to receive official proposals for the long-term future of Desert Park.
At the Oct. 19 meeting, councillors moved to advertise for expressions of interest (EOIs) for the development and operation of the Desert Park facility, and they are planning to make a decision about the future contract at the Dec. 21 council meeting.
Barry Romanko, the Town’s chief administrative officer, explained the Town had been waiting on the results of a structural report on the park’s grand stands prior to starting the process of seeking EOIs.
That report has now been brought forward.
As part of the EOI process, council has agreed that if they wish to use the grand stands in their project, whoever is awarded the contract to operate Desert Park will have to demolish and rebuild the lower walkway at the bottom of the bleachers as well as the railings.
The South Interior Recreational Equine Centre (SIREC) has run the facility since May on a six-month temporary agreement.
That agreement expires this fall.
“I’m very impressed with what SIREC has done,” said Coun. Margaret Chadsey, adding she hopes the group comes forward in answer to the EOI process. “I think they’ve done a magnificent job.”
Coun. Ted Cronmiller also said he looks forward to SIREC’s plan, and the establishment of a long-term contract, as well as any other ideas that are out there.
Advertisements for EOIs will start on Oct. 28 and the closing date will be Nov. 27.
