City and transit agency extend radio-site cost-sharing

Summary#

Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position on a proposed change to the City–STM radio-site agreement; it did not make the final decision on the agreement. The agglomeration council makes that decision at a later meeting, and its decision is not in these materials. The change would extend the cost-sharing agreement retroactively from December 1, 2022, to May 31, 2030.

  • The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) would reimburse the City $101,762.33, non-taxable, for shared use of City radio-communication equipment in a shelter on the roof of a rented building on the Island of Montréal.
  • The City would record the reimbursement as revenue in its Service des technologies de l'information budget.
  • The agreement provides two possible five-year renewals, subject to approval and prior renewal of the City’s lease for the building.
  • Either party may end the agreement with at least 12 months’ written notice.

What it means for you#

  • STM riders and the public: The decision does not directly change transit services or create a new public service. City staff say the radio site is essential to STM operations.
  • The City and STM: The STM would pay a share of the operating costs for using the City’s equipment. The shared expenses include batteries, electricity and air conditioning, and technical staff assistance.
  • City residents: The arrangement concerns City and STM equipment at one radio site; it does not directly change residents’ rights, fees or taxes.

Money#

The City would receive $101,762.33 in non-taxable reimbursements over the stated agreement term.

  • The amount covers operating expenses and is recorded as City revenue; the materials do not say whether it covers all of the City’s costs.
  • The reimbursed expenses are indexed by 2% each year starting December 1, 2023.
  • No separate estimate of City administrative or staffing costs is provided.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not explain how the parties verify the actual expenses being reimbursed.
  • The resolution says the term ends May 31, 2030, while a financial table lists the total period as ending May 30, 2030.
  • The building is not identified by name or address.

Case for#

  • City staff say sharing operating costs lets the STM use the site without harming the City’s equipment.
  • A possible benefit is that the City receives reimbursement while the STM continues using radio equipment that staff say is essential to its operations.

Case against#

  • A possible trade-off is a long agreement: the stated term is seven years and six months, with two possible five-year renewals. Either party can end it with 12 months’ written notice.
  • The materials do not explain how the City will check the expenses behind the reimbursement.