Summary#
Montréal city council approved a one-winter-season contract with Transvrac Montréal-Laval inc. to transport snow in six boroughs, for a maximum of $685,420.06, taxes included. The contract was awarded directly, without a call for tenders, and takes effect from the council’s adoption of the decision. City staff say the goal is to provide extra truck capacity and coordinate snow transport.
- The contract covers Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Outremont, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Ville-Marie and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
- Transvrac will supply trucks when the City requests them, for a mobile team that can be sent to different boroughs.
- The City also approved the service agreement; its terms and conditions govern the contract.
What it means for you#
- Residents in the six boroughs: City staff say the added trucks will help address occasional truck shortages and transport snow. The decision does not create a new resident service or change residents’ rights or duties.
- Transvrac and its member truckers: Transvrac receives the contract and acts as a broker between the City and truckers. The decision does not guarantee any particular trucker work.
- City taxpayers: The City will pay for services up to the approved maximum. The decision does not impose a new tax or fee.
Money#
The contract has a maximum cost of $685,420.06, taxes included.
- The City says budget credits are available in the budget of its Service de la concertation des arrondissements et de l’expérience citoyenne.
- If winter conditions require more money, additional credits may be needed from the City’s snow reserve; a separate decision would be needed to authorize their use.
- The contract was awarded directly. The supplied materials do not give a bid count or compare bids.
What is unclear#
- The detailed cost calculations are referred to as an attachment, but are not included in the supplied materials.
- The agreement’s full terms are not provided, so the exact truck deployment rules and service details are unclear.
- The materials do not explain how this contract’s six boroughs and costs relate to the City’s separate, previously approved Transvrac agreement covering eight boroughs.
- The decision sets a maximum amount but does not state the final amount the City will pay.
Case for#
- City staff say the City lacks enough trucks for all snow-transport operations, and this contract can provide extra capacity when needed.
- Staff say using Transvrac’s group of local independent truckers can help coordinate equipment and respond to borough needs.
Case against#
- Because the contract was awarded directly, the supplied materials do not show competing bids or a comparison with other providers.
- The maximum cost may not cover a severe winter; additional spending could be needed, subject to a separate authorization.