Canadian agency expects Douglas result in mid-March

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The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency has told TRW that it does not expect to announce the winner of the Douglas crossing tender on the country's southern border until mid-March

The final deadline for bids was September 20 2002.

CCRA duty free shop program manager Mike McCann revealed that although the process is well underway, it may be some time before a final decision is reached. External auditors are currently finalising their evaluation of the financial aspects of the applications, after which they will present CCRA with a graded list of all bidders.

Said McCann: "Once the audit has been completed, we assess the bidders on non-financial aspects including the site, building proposal and security. We then combine the financial and non-financial considerations and present our suggestions to the Minister of National Revenue. Once they are approved, we will be in a position to make an announcement."

The site in British Columbia has been vacant since Heritage Duty Free forfeited its operating licence in 2000. West Coast Duty Free, Peace Arch Duty Free and Beler Holdings are known to be among the interested parties.