Montreal buys 11 police motorcycles

Summary#

Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to award a contract to Gabriel Moto B Montréal S.E.C. for 11 police motorcycles. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the purchase is meant to support SPVM road patrols in the warmer months.

  • The proposed contract is for 2026 BMW R1300 RT-P motorcycles, for $459,082.53, taxes included.
  • The proposed total spending is $550,899.04, including contingency and other unexpected-cost budgets.
  • Gabriel Moto B Montréal was the lowest compliant bidder. Four bids were submitted; one was excluded, leaving three compliant bids.
  • The resolution directs the city to evaluate the company’s performance. The motorcycles are to be delivered before the end of May 2026.

What it means for you#

  • Montréal residents: This is a vehicle purchase for SPVM, not a new public service or a change to residents’ rights or duties. City staff say the motorcycles will be used for road patrol from April to mid-December.
  • SPVM: If the agglomeration council approves the position, the department will receive 11 motorcycles for patrol use.
  • Gabriel Moto B Montréal S.E.C.: The company would supply the motorcycles at fixed prices. The contract allows a $100-per-week late-delivery penalty, capped at 10% of the contract value before taxes.

Money#

The city council’s position authorizes total spending of $550,899.04, taxes included; the agglomeration bears 100% of the cost.

  • The contract amount is $459,082.53. The remaining $91,816.51 is budgeted for contingencies and other unexpected expenses; the materials do not say whether these amounts will all be spent.
  • The spending is to be financed through borrowing bylaw RCG 22-006.
  • The lowest compliant bid was $110,043.72 below the city’s estimate, before contingencies and using taxes applicable when bids opened.

What is unclear#

  • The decision summary says a performance evaluation was not required because the supplier’s risk was rated low, but the resolution directs that an evaluation be done.
  • The materials do not say what would qualify for use of the contingency and other unexpected-expense budgets, or how much will ultimately be spent.
  • The materials do not provide expected maintenance, fuel, or other ongoing costs.

Case for#

  • City staff say the motorcycles are needed for SPVM’s summer road patrols and that not buying them could compromise those operations.
  • Staff say motorcycles can reach places that are difficult to access by car and use less fuel than gasoline or hybrid cars.
  • Gabriel Moto B Montréal was the lowest compliant bidder, and its bid was below the city’s estimate.

Case against#

  • The contingency and other unexpected-expense budgets add $91,816.51 to the contract amount, but the materials do not explain how much of this extra authorization is likely to be used.
  • The next-lowest compliant bid was only $223.73 higher than Gabriel Moto B Montréal’s bid, before contingencies. The price difference between the two bids was therefore very small.
  • The decision summary does not explain why a performance evaluation is required in the resolution despite staff saying one was not required.