Can Owen Sound afford to assume ownership of the City’s ailing harbour?
Council on Monday night is expected to decide if they’ll proceed to the sale phase of Transport Canada’s Port Asset Transfer Program.
Mayor, Ian Boddy, says Council reviewed the information provided by the federal agency — and he’s concluded the City can’t afford to purchase the harbour.
Boddy tells Bayshore Broadcasting News a staff report recommends Owen Sound not pursue the federal agency’s sale phase, and instead seek divestiture.
He says if Council votes against purchasing the harbour, Transport Canada will then accept bids from the public and private sector corporations.
If that’s unsuccessful, Ottawa may opt to divest the harbour to the Scenic City and offer Council funding for the port’s upkeep and maintenance.
Earlier talks to find a buyer for Owen Sound’s harbour have failed.
Much of the information provided by Transport Canada in regards to the Owen Sound harbour is protected by a confidentiality agreement.
More discussion is expected at Council on Monday; the meeting begins at 7 PM.
