By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Want to operate a tour boat from the Canadian shore of the lower Niagara River?

The Niagara Parks Commission wants to hear from you.

It set a Nov. 24 deadline for companies to bid on tour boat operations. Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. has run tour boats from both the U.S. and Canadian shores of the river for generations, and while its U.S. pact runs for more than three decades, the Canadian lease has been under fire for the past year.

In 2009, a 25-year extension between Maid of the Mist Steamboat and the parks commission became a political hot button in Southern Ontario as potential competitors cried foul. That resulted in several commission members resigning and a new regime installed to oversee operations.

The Maid of the Mist pact was voided, with a promise by the commission to begin a new proposal process. Maid of the Mist boats are operating this season under a temporary deal with the parks commission.

That took place Aug. 20, with the formal issuing of a request for proposal.

"The process has been and will continue to be open, transparent and fair," said Fay Booker, chairperson, Niagara Parks Commission.

The boats leave from leased space, owned by the commission, in the lower Niagara Gorge.

"Potential proponents will also be assessed on their ability to meet all mandatory requirements and uphold marine safety standards at all times," Booker said.

The Ontario RFP process does not affect its U.S. operation from the Niagara State Park Reservation. Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. has a deal in place with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation that runs through 2042.

The issue of the company's contract has been lingering in Ontario since early 2008. At least one competitor, Ripley Entertainment, expressed an interest in taking over the operation. Ripley Entertainment has a strong presence in Niagara Falls, Ont., including several museums on Clifton Hill and at Great Wolf Lodge.

The boats are popular attractions in Niagara Falls because riders can go through the lower gorge and to the edge of the Horseshoe and American falls. Famous visitors include the late Princess Diana, members of the Rolling Stones and actor Brad Pitt.

Maid of the Mist boats operate from April to October. In 2009, they attracted 2.2 million riders. Given the favorable weather this summer and fewer border-crossing issues, that number is expected to increase for 2010.

The Canadian operation traditionally accounts for 75 percent of Maid of the Mist ridership, although this year the split was closer to 65/35, in favor of Canada.

Booker said she hopes to have a new lease in place before the start of the 2011 season.

"Through the lease of this land, the NPC's objective is to facilitate the offering of a boat tour which will meet the needs of the NPC, while continuing to enhance the visitor experience in this tourism community," she said.