Dear Editor,
Re: “B.C. wood passed up for American lumber,” Letters, Jan. 24.
Our purchasing policies are designed to ensure we get the best value for taxpayers while ensuring a fair competitive process for suppliers.
In sourcing the timbers for the boardwalk, our purchasing department obtained quotes from a number of suppliers and selected the lowest bidder, Shy’s Lumber, which is a B.C. company.
Selectively applying local product or supplier preference in purchasing decisions would be contrary to our obligation to obtain best value for taxpayers. As well, federal and provincial trade regulations also place requirements on local governments to maintain open procurement practises which also limits the application of selective purchasing policies.
Shy’s Lumber was responsible for sourcing the lumber. Where it was sourced from was outside of the scope of their contract with the city.
Ted Townsend
CITY OF RICHMOND SPOKESPERSON
