Kenora city council has decided to contract out the management of Anicinabe Park this summer.
The city had prepared a report back in December saying it could generate $75,000 more by operating the campground itself.
But councillor Graham Chaze voted against the city operating the park.
“At a time when we’re being asked to look at operational budgets and finding ways to lessen the potential tax increases on our ratepayers, I just see this as taking on a new service right now that’s going to require hiring staff, buying equipment…the unforeseen risks of running a business,” Chaze told council at their open meeting this week.
Councillor Lindsay Koch adds that one of the issues is the fact that a land claim hangs over the park by local First Nations.
“I don’t feel good necessarily about deciding to move forward with a contract when we don’t know how everything is going to shake out and how it will impact a contractor, the city, the parties on the other side of this litigation.”
The city made about $33,000 last year by contracting out the management of the park.
Middle Lake Enterprises has operated the park for the past five years, but their contract has expired.
(File photo)
