Summary#
Montréal city council approved a contract with Construction NRC inc. for lighting work at six street sections in Ville-Marie, covering about 565 metres. City staff say the work aims to improve lighting and safety, replace outdated equipment and install LED lighting.
- The city awarded the contract through public call for tenders 526601. Six firms submitted bids; Construction NRC was the lowest compliant bidder.
- The work includes replacing streetlights and wiring, burying new electrical wires and bringing the lighting up to standards.
- The city authorized a maximum total of $770,198.27, taxes included: $421,791.54 for the contract, $63,268.73 for contingencies and $285,138 for related costs.
- The city must evaluate Construction NRC’s performance under the contract.
What it means for you#
- People using the affected streets: Lighting is to be replaced or upgraded on six sections in Ville-Marie. The street list is not included in the materials provided.
- Taxpayers: The city centre will pay the full authorized cost. The work is scheduled to start on November 30, 2026, and finish on December 18, 2026.
- Residents and businesses: The decision does not change general rights or rules. The materials say traffic impacts are described in an attachment, which was not provided.
Money#
The city authorized spending of up to $770,198.27, taxes included, or $703,293.68 net of tax rebates.
- The total includes the contractor’s $421,791.54 bid, $63,268.73 for contingencies and $285,138 for related costs, including electrical connections and technical services.
- The expense is fully funded by the city centre and is provided for in the budget under an existing borrowing bylaw for lighting equipment.
- The contractor’s bid was 17.31% below the city’s estimate. The city’s estimate was $510,107.94, taxes included.
What is unclear#
- The street names and detailed traffic impacts are in attachments not provided here.
- The materials do not give a breakdown of how the $285,138 for related costs will be spent.
- The decision sets a maximum total but does not say whether the full amount will be spent.
Case for#
- City staff say the existing lighting is insufficient and that replacing outdated equipment and installing LEDs is intended to improve safety and maintain or improve the lighting network.
- The lowest compliant bid was below the city’s estimate, and the staff summary says the city considered that price difference favourable.
- The decision includes an evaluation of the contractor’s performance and penalties for late completion.
Case against#
- The authorized amounts for contingencies and related costs total $348,406.73—more than the contractor’s bid. The summary explains some related costs, but does not provide a full breakdown.
- The bid was below the estimate partly because the city’s estimate included possible storage and delivery-delay costs. The materials do not say whether those risks will arise or how they would affect the final spending.