CUPE Local 500 opposed to city’s recommendation to lease city-run golf courses
May 14, 2013 at 3:56 PM
On May 13, the City released a statement that the Winnipeg Public Service is recommending that the Alternate Service Delivery (ASD) Committee approve a business plan for the independent operation of Kildonan, Windsor Park, Crescent Drive and Harbourview golf courses that they claim are currently losing nearly $850,000 annually.
The Local is opposed to this recommendation and we will be presenting our views to the city’s ASD Committee on May 17, 2013.
“Once again, the City maintains that contracting out of our golf courses will result in savings for the taxpayer,” said Local 500 President, Mike Davidson. "Our golf courses don't lose money - this is simply a shell game with figures."
In the city’s report, it proposes a 20-year lease agreement with GolfNorth Properties Inc. but requires a minimum capital investment of $4.2 million by GolfNorth towards the improvement of the courses.
In addition, the administrative report proposes that Council declare the John Blumberg Golf Course land, located outside of the city in the Rural Municipality of Headingley, surplus to the City’s needs, with the net proceeds of the sale being reinvested into current recreational amenities inside the city of Winnipeg
“On several occasions over the past years, CUPE has indicated to this, and previous Councils, that the city-run golf courses need capital improvements in order for them to remain profitable assets to the City of Winnipeg,” said Davidson. “We have seen a lack of infrastructure/funding going back into our City run courses and unfortunately, due to lack of investment and political will, they have been allowed to deteriorate and fail in their operations over the years.”
The Local will continue to update the membership as we continue to represent your interests during each and every step of the political process in the weeks ahead. Please watch for more information and updates on this important issue.
