Update on Passport Office
November 12, 2008

KELOWNA - Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country is pleased to report that Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has published a notice seeking information as to the availability of office space for lease or rent in the City of Kelowna for the purposes of establishing a new passport office.

According to the Notice, PWGSC is looking for a space that is equal to approximately 506 usable square metres of contiguous retail or office space, and would be:

  • accessible by public transit and in close proximity to adequate parking;
  • contiguous space without obstruction;
  • located on ground floor and acceptable for high traffic.

The leased premises are to be located along the Harvey Avenue/Highway 97 corridor between Abbott Street and Highway 33 or within the following geographical boundaries:

North:       Clement Avenue
South:       Calder Avenue/Springfield Road
East:         Dilworth Drive
West:        Abbott Street

The notice was printed in the November 12th edition of the Kelowna Capital News and details appear on the PWGSC tendering website MERX (www.merx.com).

"I am pleased to see the process is  moving forward," said Mr. Cannan noting that already a number of stages have been completed by Public Works Canada including an Investment Analysis Report to ensure the new passport office is good value for the Crown.

Mr. Cannan said that although many circumstances can impact the project including vacancy rates, availability of contractors, and the current economic situation, he is confident the passport office will open before the 2010 deadline.

"My constituents and I want this project to be completed quickly but we also want it to be done efficiently and in a cost-effective way for the benefit of taxpayers," said Cannan.

Anyone interested in responding or looking for further information should go to www.merx.com or contact Ed Franklin, Senior Leasing Officer, at 604-775-5783 or by e-mail at ed.franklin@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca and refer to File No. 527023.  The deadline is November 28th, 2008.