Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to exercise the first 12-month extension of the exclusive vehicle-towing and storage contract with Remorquage Météor inc. The city’s position is to authorize an additional maximum of $360,007.71, taxes included, bringing the contract maximum to $943,109.17, taxes included. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The extension would cover February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The city says the service covers the island of Montréal and some trips outside it when requested by the SPVM.
- The service is for vehicles requiring judicial expertise. The contractor also must provide storage, towing for boats and other vehicles, and other services listed in the contract.
- The contract gives the contractor exclusive towing and storage rights for covered vehicles in the designated area, subject to exceptions in the contract.
- The original contract was awarded after public call for tenders 24-20541, which received one bid. The materials do not say whether it was the lowest compliant bid.
What it means for you#
- SPVM: The extension would let the police service continue using Remorquage Météor for the covered towing and storage services.
- Residents and taxpayers: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, taxes, or fees. The expense is assigned to the Montréal agglomeration because it concerns public safety.
- Remorquage Météor inc.: The company would receive the contract extension, up to the authorized maximum.
Money#
The extension has a maximum cost of $360,007.71, taxes included.
- The decision would raise the contract’s total maximum from $583,101.46 to $943,109.17, taxes included.
- City staff estimate the extension at $313,118.25 before taxes and $328,735.03 net of tax rebates, based on forecast quantities and annual indexation.
- Staff say the 2026 SPVM operating budget has funds for the expense; funds needed in later years must be prioritized through the SPVM budget process. The agglomeration bears the full cost.
What is unclear#
- The original contract is described as running from August 22, 2024, to August 22, 2026, but the extension period starts February 1, 2026. The materials do not explain this overlap.
- The contract’s exceptions to the exclusive service, and the additional services listed in Annex A, are not detailed in the supplied material.
- The authorized amount is a maximum based on forecast quantities; the actual amount to be spent is not stated.
Case for#
- City staff say the service allows controlled transport of vehicles that may contain evidence for criminal cases, and includes storage.
- Staff say extending the contract would support continuity in the SPVM’s towing work and avoid a service disruption.
- The extension uses an option already included in the contract, rather than requiring a new call for tenders immediately.
Case against#
- The original public call for tenders received one bid, so the materials provide limited evidence about how the contract price compared with other offers.
- The extension authorizes up to $360,007.71 without a new tender in the supplied materials.
- The materials do not explain the overlap between the original contract dates and the extension dates.