The BC Corps of Commissionaires will look after security at the West Kootenay Regional Airport for another five years.
City council awarded a new contract this week. The old one expired in April, but has continued in a month-to-month arrangement while the city issued a request for proposals. In addition to security, they were seeking a contractor to provide customer service, manage parking, and other airport-related tasks.
According to a staff report, the city received 10 proposals, but only two had the specialized experience required: the Commissioners and Paladin Security Group. They were scored using a weighted criteria, where price was 30 per cent.
The Commissionaires had a slightly higher score and also had the lower hourly price of $31.13, versus $35 from Paladin.
“The city has a long-standing relationship with the Commissionaires at the airport,” outgoing airport manager Maciej Habrych wrote.
“Over the years, they have consistently supported day-to-day operations, construction projects, and special requests. Their reliable staffing has reduced operational risk, particularly in terms of security oversight.”
He added that the Commissionaires already know the airport’s procedures, plans, and policies, so they don’t need much additional training or supervision.
The Commissionaires describe themselves as “Canada’s largest private sector employer of veterans and the only national not-for-profit security company.”
