Summary#
Montréal city council approved a direct-award contract with Bell Canada for the first phase of burying overhead cable networks on Gouin Boulevard West, between Martin and Albert-Prévost avenues, in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. The city authorized a maximum total of $1,287,124.02, taxes included.
- The work covers about 1,300 metres and includes removing 63 poles.
- Bell Canada will do the work on its own overhead cable network. The contract was awarded directly, not through a call for tenders.
- The president of the Commission des services électriques de Montréal (Montréal Electrical Services Commission) may sign the required documents for the city.
- City staff say the work is scheduled to start in early 2026 and finish in the second quarter of 2028.
What it means for you#
- People in the area: The decision funds work on this stretch of Gouin Boulevard West. The materials do not describe effects on traffic, access, or nearby residents during construction.
- Taxpayers: The city’s central administration will pay the full cost.
- Bell Canada: It receives the contract and will be paid based on actual costs supported by invoices, up to the authorized maximum.
Money#
The approved maximum expenditure is $1,287,124.02, taxes included.
- The city’s central administration will cover the full amount from credits for the “Enfouissement des réseaux câblés” (burying cable networks) project.
- The Commission validated Bell Canada’s estimate by comparing it with similar projects and checking the quantities of cable and equipment to be removed.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not explain what would happen if invoiced costs exceed the maximum.
- No publicly available information is provided on contract penalties, or on the city’s remedies if the work is delayed or incomplete.
- The resolution does not set out construction measures for traffic, access, or nearby residents.
Case for#
- City staff say Bell Canada must do this work on its own network, making a direct award appropriate.
- Staff checked the estimate against similar projects and reviewed the quantities involved before recommending the contract.
Case against#
- A direct award means there was no competitive bidding to compare Bell Canada’s price with other bids.
- Although staff checked the estimate, the materials do not provide the comparison results or a breakdown of the costs.