Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously set its position in favour of exercising the second 12-month extension of the contract with Stantec Experts-conseils ltée. The contract covers professional services for designing and supervising municipal infrastructure work. The stated goal is to continue work on major water projects and avoid delays; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The proposed extension would run from January 1 to December 31, 2027, on the contract’s existing terms.
- Stantec would continue providing multidisciplinary expertise, including design, construction supervision, and technical counter-expertise.
- The work is for the city’s Major Projects Directorate, including projects at the Jean-R.-Marcotte treatment plant and McTavish pumping station.
- The contract was first awarded in 2023 after a public call for tenders that received two bids. The materials do not say whether Stantec’s bid was the lowest compliant bid.
What it means for you#
- Montréal residents: The extension does not directly change a resident’s rights, fees, or access to services. City staff say the expertise supports major water projects, including ozone disinfection and work at the McTavish pumping station.
- The city and Stantec: If the extension is approved, Stantec would continue its work through the end of 2027. The city says it gave the firm written notice more than 90 days before the contract’s expiry.
- Taxpayers: The city council’s position does not add to the contract’s authorized spending.
Money#
No additional spending is required for the extension, according to the decision summary.
- The city says the budget already provided for the contract is sufficient.
- The original contract was authorized for $2,042,645.85, taxes included. That amount included $945,377 for the contract and $97,268.85 for contingencies.
- The materials do not state how much of the existing budget remains or the value of work expected during the extension.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not list the specific new assignments or their expected costs within the existing budget.
- The city council’s decision sets its position; it does not itself make the final decision to extend the contract.
Case for#
- City staff say the extension would allow Stantec to finish ongoing work and take on new assignments for major water projects.
- Staff say the city needs specialized expertise and counter-expertise for complex technical issues not covered by other contracts.
- Staff say continuing the contract could help avoid project delays, strain on city staff, and possible extra costs from delays.
Case against#
- The materials do not show how much of the original contract budget remains or how the extension’s work would be divided among assignments.
- Extending an existing contract means the city would continue relying on Stantec for this work; the materials do not compare the extension with other ways to obtain the expertise.