By Gazette Staff
July 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
“Quick note to say that your ongoing coverage is great!!! and I’m sure is very much appreciated by the Families of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays.
Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community & Culture , chose to send the pool allocation matter to the Procurement people.
This Burlington resident told us this morning that “this whole fiasco started in the Parks and Recreation sector (under Director Emile Cote) and was passed off to Procurement as it was thought/desired that an RFP would be in order.”
The Procurement Officer who handled the file is indeed on vacation. “I can also confirm that Mordeu is “on vacation” I attempted to contact her on Monday June 30th for some info/understanding of the need for a procurement process for something that has traditionally been a user/group time and access allotment to city facilities.
“This is touching many departments in City Hall…. and they are all fumbling the file.”
What should have gone further up the food chain was sent down to a level that understands procurement and followed standard procurement procedures.
We are noticing that those who provide information ask that their name not be used – we appear to live in a city where residents fear repercussions when they speak out.
Prudence in published matters requires sensitive language to describe this fiasco of incompetence by senior staff from the City of Burlington. Non published conversations do not have that restriction, though, and have been very matter of fact in their condemnation and have used language that is direct and non-complimentary, and “understood on the street”. This disaster will be remembered at the polls.
So on futher review there is nothing in Emilie Cotes background to suggest she has any experience in procurement whereas Melussa Perdu would definitely know better. Source LinkedIn.
It begs the question whether city Directors can dictate to the procurement group. This would be highly unwise in these times. A review of management organizational structure is probably needed.
I am 71 and have no fear of repercussions!
I read the RFP this morning. It is a completely inappropriate document to be utilized to manage what is essentially a “rental” agreement at a prescribed rate.
What is even more troubling is that one of the three mandatory requirements relating to incorporation is ambiguous and inaccurate. Apparently on another RFP it was clarified to another party Yet there is no mandatory requirement for the 85% for residents of Burlington which shouks be a key factor..
It might lead a suspicious person to wonder if there were other motives in developing this approach. Particularly as the successful proponent is now actively recruiting Burlington swimmers.
The fact that a straightforward pool rental will now involve legal services is sublime beyond the pale.
I will take the time to review the RFP in detail and all City of Burlington procurement policies and procedures with my 35 years of commercial experience.
It strikes me that either there is a staff competency factor here or perhaps the directors have far too much say in what they can dictate to the procurement team.