Passengers flying in and out of Victoria International Airport (YYJ) will see no immediate changes, but behind the scenes, a significant shift is underway.
After 41 years of providing parking services, Vancouver Island-based Robbins Parking is ending its contract with the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) on May 31, after an American company, Laz Parking, was awarded the new contract.
The change comes after Robbins Parking failed to secure a new contract following a public Request for Proposal (RFP) process, initiated by VAA and announced on February 13.
Robbins Parking had previously applied for the RFP and won the contract in 2014.
"We didn't win the RFP this time, but you know, that's just life," said Mo Jessa, vice-president of Robbins Parking.
"For the past 41 years, Robbins Parking has been a trusted and valued service provider to VAA. Unfortunately, we were not successful proponents. Although we are disappointed with the outcome, we respect the decision of the Victoria Airport Authority and commit to ensuring a smooth transition."
According to Lindsay Gaunt, VAA vice-president for revenue strategy and business development, Robbins Parking’s contract was originally slated to expire in March.
“They graciously extended their contract, as we were working through the RFP process,” she explained. “We deeply value and appreciate Robbin’s service – they are professional, and we respect them.”
The RFP attracted nine proposals, including one from LAZ Parking Canada Inc., a subsidiary of LAZ Parking, a US-owned company that is already operating parking services in Edmonton and Calgary international airports.
Gaunt said the VAA ultimately was looking for leadership in technical capabilities, the ability to offer innovative solutions, and the industry experience needed to help achieve the airport’s long-term objectives.
While acknowledging the strength of all the proposals, Gaunt highlighted that Laz Parking's "depth of industry experience, specifically within the airport parking space, was strong."
The decision to award the contract to an American company instead of a locally owned one could prompt questions from the public. It comes just over a month after Premier David Eby directed the B.C. government to cancel American contracts wherever viable, beginning in April of this year.
YYJ is not government-owned. It is operated by the Victoria Airport Authority, a self-funded, not-for-profit organization that leases the land from the federal government and is regulated by Transport Canada.
However, Gaunt defended the process, stating that opening the RFP to the public ensured the best value and service for travellers.
"We're looking for the best partner that meets the requirements to be able to serve our community as effectively as possible ... Regardless that they are a U.S.-owned company, they're just the proponent that actually gave what we were looking for."
For Jessa, the end of the long-standing partnership is bittersweet. He admits to feeling a sense of loss, both professionally and personally.
"I started as a parking attendant at the airport in 1989. This is a hard one for me," he said. "My proper full-time employment started with Robbins Parking in April of 1989, and who knew 36 years later I'd be the company's VP."
Laz Parking's contract at YYJ is for a five-year term, beginning June 1, with an option for a two-year renewal at the discretion of the Victoria Airport Authority.
Robbins Parking had a staff of five working at the airport, two of whom have found employment within the same company.
According to Gaunt, Laz Parking has been working to build its team and has extended job offers to any Robbins Parking employee who decided to work for the new operator.
VAA has confirmed parking rates and terms will remain unchanged under the new management. Passengers can expect business as usual while the transition unfolds.
VAA hopes the new partnership with Laz Parking will bring innovative solutions and improved service to airport parking operations, aligning with their future strategic goals.
