There are suggestions that the city seeks a new operator for its increasingly popular bike-share program.
Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson stresses that “we need to put this out for re-bid” after SoBi Hamilton denied the city’s request for a copy of its audited financial statements.
The public works committee has also been told that SoBi is not building a reserve fund to replace bicycles at end-of-life, and Ferguson says it all “sounds fishy to me.”
Get daily National news
Mountain Coun. Terry Whitehead tells committee members that he shares those concerns as he seeks to ensure “transparency” and “accountability” in all of the city’s partnerships.
SoBi Hamilton notes that it is not required to provide a financial audit since it does not receive operational funding from the city.
The local non-profit adds that the city’s contract is with Social Bicycles, a separate entity, through which SoBi is subcontracted to operate the system.
The city owns the bikes and stations, which were purchased through a $1.6-million-dollar Metrolinx grant.
Peter Topalovic, the city’s project manager, adds that SoBi is also under no obligation to build a bicycle replacement reserve.
After just two years of operation, SoBi Hamilton General Manager Chelsea Cox recently stated that they have over 12,000 active members.
- NDP to join Bloc in backing Liberals against non-confidence vote
- Macron and Trudeau will meet in Canada next week. What’s on the agenda?
- Ethics commissioner will not investigate Boissonnault over ‘Randy’ texts, says the matter is closed
- Canada gives 1st-ever peek into priorities for intelligence work
Comments