1. Introduction

The City of Burlington (the “City”) is seeking a qualified non-profit organization with a well-defined organizational structure, proven track record, leadership and governance system supported by a sufficient volunteer base and paid staff, to deliver high quality Development and Competitive Youth Swimming Programs for residents with main focus to be on ages between 5 – 18 years of age within three municipal pools: Centennial Pool, Angela Coughlan Pool and Nelson Pool. 

The City of Burlington is proud to provide our residents with high quality recreational and specialized sport opportunities in collaboration with community organizations, including aquatic sport organizations.  As the City continues to change and grow, our population has become more inclusive and diverse.  Our vision promotes a community where people, nature and business thrive.  Community programs, services and facilities play an integral role in Burlington being a healthy and greener city.  Swimming is an important life skill which contributes directly to the health of all residents which positively impacts resiliency and overall quality of life. 

The Recreation, Community, and Culture Department is guided by the Framework for Recreation, which outlines the department's vision, values, principles, and goals for community recreation. According to this framework, City pools are prioritized for the broader community, focusing on general recreational activities such as swimming lessons and drop-in programs. A portion of pool time is allocated for sport-related special interest organizations to ensure equitable access for all.

To support this approach, the City of Burlington is looking to contract with a single Youth Development and Competitive Swim Organization to provide high-quality programs in the listed City pools that promote a healthy lifestyle and coaches’ youth on the fundamentals of competitive swimming.  The successful bidder (Pool User) will be required to provide Youth Competitive and Development Swimming programs for residents of Burlington.

2. Scope of Services and Expectations 

The City of Burlington is looking to enter into a Youth Competitive and Development Swimming Programs pool commitment agreement (the “Agreement”) with a single organization to deliver Youth Competitive and Development Swimming programs in three of City owned pools: Centennial Pool, Angela Coughlan Pool and Nelson Pool. The following outlines key programing requirements and information/documents needed to be supplied by the Pool User: 

• It is expected that each hour of pool time is fully maximized by the youth competitive and development swimmers, with a minimum of 24 registrants per hour. 

• It is expected that priority will be given for serving City of Burlington residents, with a minimum target of 85% of Burlington residency in the youth competitive and development swimming programs delivered under this Agreement. 

• The facilities provided by the city will only be used for the purposes specified in this proposal, and for no other reason.

• The Pool User will provide: 

  • Easy to navigate, user friendly, informative website.

  • Appropriate and professional marketing materials.

  • Club information and support materials for parents.

3. Agreement

The Pool User will be required to enter into a three-year Youth Competitive and Development Swimming Program and Pool Commitment Agreement with two (2) one-year renewal options with the City in the form and content attached as Appendix A.  The first term of the Agreement will commence on September 1, 2025 and end August 31, 2028. Extension of the Agreement will be offered at the sole and absolute discretion of the City subject to demonstrated performance, accommodation of community needs and adherence to its financial obligations. 

The Agreement stipulates the allotted amount of pool time (2000 hours/year) that must be purchased from the City for the expressed purpose of delivering the Youth Competitive and Development Swimming Programs as contemplated in this Request for Proposals.

The Pool User will also be required to comply with all City and government policies, regulations, statutes and laws, as well as standard terms and conditions of any rental permits, where issued. 

To be considered for evaluation, 

1. bids must include current and valid certificate of incorporation as a Non-Profit or Not-for-Profit organization. 

2. Bidders must confirm their ability to meet the annual financial commitment outlined on page 19 “Financial Obligation” to be considered for further evaluation.

3. Bidders must be registered with Swim Ontario and the city will refer to the Swim Ontario website to confirm as such before bids are evaluated.

Bids not meeting the above mandatory requirements will be rejected.

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