Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted its position on a contract for work at the Pointe-Claire water treatment plant. It is asking the agglomeration council to award Gagné & Roy inc. the contract and authorize total spending of $1,939,714.48, taxes included. City staff say the goal is to replace seven roof sections that have reached the end of their useful life. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The proposed contract covers roof sections 4 to 10 at 243, chemin du Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore, in Pointe-Claire.
- The work includes replacing the waterproofing and damaged concrete panels, improving rainwater drainage, and adding safer roof access and fall protection.
- Gagné & Roy inc. was the lowest compliant bidder in a public call for tenders with six bids; all six were compliant.
- The proposed total includes $1,492,088.06 for the bid, $298,417.61 for contingencies and $149,208.81 for incidental costs.
- The resolution also calls for an evaluation of Gagné & Roy inc.’s performance.
What it means for you#
- People supplied by this plant: The work is at a facility that supplies drinking water to part of Montréal. The decision does not change water service rules, rates or eligibility.
- Public finances: The agglomeration would bear the full expense. The materials do not identify a specific charge to individual residents.
- Contractor: If the agglomeration approves the position, Gagné & Roy inc. would do the work. The planned schedule is April to July 2026.
Money#
The proposed total expenditure is $1,939,714.48, taxes included.
- The funding is from the Service de l’eau’s 2026–2035 capital plan, transferred to the building management service for administration. The full amount is scheduled to be paid in 2026.
- The expense would be financed through borrowing bylaw RCG 23-031. The materials do not give a separate cost for borrowing.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not explain how the city would approve the use of contingency funds, or what happens to any unused amount.
- They give the planned work dates, but not a separate contract duration or any renewal option.
- The lowest bid was 29.45% below the city’s estimate and 22.21% below the next-lowest bid. City staff say the estimate may have overstated some costs and point to market competition, but the materials do not establish which explanation accounts for the full gap.
Case for#
- City staff say the seven roof sections have reached the end of their useful life. Replacing them also addresses drainage, damaged concrete and safe access for roof work.
- The public tender drew six compliant bids, and Gagné & Roy inc. submitted the lowest one.
- City staff say delays could push the work into winter, when it would be more complex and costly.
Case against#
- One concern is the large gap between the winning bid and both the city’s estimate and the next-lowest bid. Staff offer possible explanations, but the materials do not resolve the gap.
- The contingency and incidental budgets add about 30% to the base bid. The materials do not explain how much of those budgets is likely to be spent.