A contractor based in Vernon, B.C., claims the provincial government violated its own procurement policies by cancelling a wildfire prevention tender, potentially leaving it with over $950,000 in liabilities. Arc Ridge Ltd., which operates a fleet of spider excavators, was preparing to protect a ski resort from wildfires through the SilverStar project. The company alleges the cancellation of the tender was done without proper notice or justification, leading to significant financial losses. The dispute highlights concerns over transparency and adherence to procurement rules in public contracts. The contractor is now seeking clarification on the government’s decision and potential compensation for the lost investment. The case has sparked discussions about the impact of policy changes on private sector operations in British Columbia. (castanet.net)
