Summary#
On February 16, 2026, Montréal City Council unanimously adopted its position on a contract for decarbonization work at Fire Station 31, 7041 rue Saint-Dominique, in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. It recommends awarding the contract to Oslo Construction inc. and authorizing related expenses; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the project’s goal is to cut emissions and improve comfort at the station.
- The recommended contract is for $1,612,867, taxes included. Oslo was the lowest compliant bidder in a public call for tenders; all seven bids were compliant.
- The proposed total authorization is $1,935,440.42, taxes included: the contract, $241,930.06 in contingencies, and $80,643.36 for related costs.
- Work includes replacing gas boilers with gas and electric boilers, replacing a gas water heater with electric water heaters, and upgrading heating, electrical and control systems, among other work.
- The resolution calls for an evaluation of Oslo Construction’s performance.
What it means for you#
- People who use the station: The work would modernize its heating and control systems. City staff estimate it would reduce emissions by about 105 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent. The resolution does not guarantee that result.
- Taxpayers: The decision summary says the agglomeration would bear the expense under borrowing bylaw RCG 24-018. A provincial grant may cover 52% of expenses if they are fully committed before March 31, 2026; later expenses would be charged to the Service de la gestion et de la planification des immeubles’s capital program.
- Residents and businesses: The decision does not directly change taxes, fees, or rules for residents or businesses.
Money#
The proposed total expense is $1,935,440.42, taxes included; no final contract award is recorded in these materials.
- The base contract is $1,612,867, taxes included (net of tax rebates: $1,472,762.55). Contingencies are $241,930.06, and related costs are $80,643.36.
- The grant is set at 52% of expenses, subject to the March 31, 2026 commitment deadline. The materials do not state the grant amount that will ultimately be received.
- The expense is scheduled to be split 95% in 2026 and 5% in 2027. The contract schedule lists a March 2026 start and completion in March 2028.
What is unclear#
- No publicly available information is given here about how the projected emissions reduction will be measured after the work.
- The materials do not explain how the gas boilers would be used alongside the electric boilers.
- The final agglomeration council decision is not included in these materials.
Case for#
- The work would replace some gas-fired equipment with electric equipment and update the station’s heating controls.
- City staff say the project supports the city’s climate plan and could reduce emissions by about 105 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent.
- Seven compliant bids were received. Oslo’s base bid was 8.1% below the next-lowest bid.
Case against#
- Oslo’s base bid was 43.4% below the professionals’ estimate for the base contract. Staff cite a competitive market as a possible reason, but the large gap leaves uncertainty about whether costs may rise.
- The contingencies provide a set amount for unexpected work. The materials do not say what happens if unforeseen costs exceed that amount.
- The grant depends on meeting a strict commitment deadline; costs tied to later commitments would fall to the city’s capital program.