queensparkAn update from the LCBO says there are no plans to close any of their locations.

LCBO confirms earlier statements today by Minister Charles Sousa that it has no plans to reduce the size of its 654-store network through the sale of LCBO-owned locations.

In fact, LCBO is investing in expanding both the size and scope of its retail network to further improve customer service.

The Request for Proposal posted publicly by the LCBO is for “as needed” real estate brokerage services that will help it manage future transactions such as leases, rentals and property sales as part of its long-term business plans.

Prior to this RFP being issued, LCBO acquired such services through individual requests for quotations. This RFP will help ensure that LCBO has a single brokerage service it can access as needed going forward and represents a continuation of its standard business practices. The LCBO currently owns 228 of its retail properties, and the remaining 426 of its store locations are leased. Since 2006, the LCBO has sold 31 of its retail locations, the vast majority of which have been replaced with newer and larger stores.

The LCBO will be issuing an amendment to the RFP to ensure the extent of service is clearer.

 

*ORIGINAL STORY*

Ontario PC Finance Critic Vic Fedeli is demanding answers from the Wynne Liberals after he exposed an LCBO document detailing plans to sell 250 store locations in the Legislature today.

The document dated February 24 – one day before the Ontario budget was released — outlines a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the LCBO seeking a real estate vendor to sell the store locations right across the province.

“Section 3.2.1 states ‘the LCBO’s main intention is to sell properties’ and 3.2.3 says the LCBO will consider leasing out properties that are deemed unsaleable or if they can generate high revenue from a tenant,” Fedeli said in Question Period.

“Speaker, can the Minister tell us just how much money he expects the sale to bring in for the province, what will happen to these LCBO locations, and how many jobs will be cut or otherwise affected as a result of the sale?” asked Fedeli.

After failing to receive a direct answer to the question, Fedeli also noted that it’s curious that this RFP went out before the budget was released, yet none of the details on locations or jobs affected or financial impacts of this plan were included in the budget.

“Is this more Liberal furniture-burning to heat the home? Is this another part of the Liberal plan to balance their budget? I ask the Minister – why were you keeping details of this sale of LCBO stores secret from the people of Ontario?” Fedeli asked.

The document (FOUND HERE) lists locations in South Porcupine, Matheson, Cochrane, Smooth Rock Falls and Moosonee among many others as stores that would be affected.