Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to award ESRI Canada ltée a direct-award contract for support and updates to the city’s permanent geographic information system software licences. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting, scheduled for December 18, 2025. City staff say the goal is to maintain support and updates for the city’s GIS software.
- The proposed contract covers January 12, 2026, to January 11, 2027, for a maximum of $114,957.77, taxes included.
- The contract would be awarded directly to ESRI, which the city identifies as the exclusive supplier; there was no call for tenders.
- The city’s director of territory management would be authorized to sign related documents, and the expense would be charged to the IT department’s operating budget.
What it means for you#
- City departments and boroughs: The contract would provide technical support and software updates for the city’s GIS tools, used for mapping and managing information such as infrastructure and property-assessment data.
- The public: The decision does not directly change public services, fees, taxes, or residents’ rights. City staff say continued support could help maintain the systems used for city operations.
- ESRI Canada ltée: The company would receive the contract if the agglomeration council approves the city’s position.
Money#
The proposed maximum cost is $114,957.77, taxes included, or $104,971.77 net of taxes.
- The expense would come from the IT department’s operating budget. The required budget credits were considered in setting general-administration expenses charged to the agglomeration budget.
- The amount is $13,282.07, or 11.55%, higher than the previous year’s contract. City staff attribute the increase to about 5% price indexing for most licences and an approximately 74% increase for the software development kit after some end-of-life licences were replaced.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give a price breakdown by licence or explain how much of the increase relates to each item.
- The materials specify a one-year term but do not state whether renewal options are available.
Case for#
- City staff say the contract would maintain software support and updates, helping the city keep its GIS tools compatible with current technology and security standards.
- Staff say the tools support work such as infrastructure planning, managing water and transport networks, and property assessment.
Case against#
- The direct award means there was no competitive bidding to compare prices or service offers.
- The cost is rising by 11.55% from the previous year, including a much larger increase for the software development kit. The materials do not provide a detailed price breakdown.