Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted its position on two framework agreements for professional services at former waste-disposal sites. It is asking the agglomeration council to approve agreements with Consultants AECOM inc. and Terrapex Environnement ltée, for up to $4,074,664.97 including taxes. City staff say the goal is to use firms with specialized skills for construction work at these sites.
- AECOM would receive Lot 1, up to $2,060,279.97; Terrapex would receive Lot 2, up to $2,014,385.
- The agreements would run for 36 months, or until their budgets are used up, whichever comes first. A 12-month extension is possible only if funds remain and both firms agree.
- Services would be provided on request and include environmental and geotechnical studies, plans and specifications, permit applications, soil oversight, construction of biogas mitigation measures, and post-construction follow-up.
- The two firms were selected through a public call for tenders with seven bids, based on final evaluation scores. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
What it means for you#
- Residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, services, fees or taxes.
- Boroughs and city departments: Their budgets would pay for work as needs arise. The agreements do not require them to order a set amount of work.
- The firms: If approved by the agglomeration council, they would provide services when the city requests them, up to their respective agreement amounts.
Money#
The agreements have maximum amounts totalling $4,074,664.97, including taxes.
- The amounts exclude contingencies, quantity variations and other impacts. The city says the cost would be charged to borough and corporate-service budgets as needed.
- The agreements use hourly rates by employee category. No separate estimate of total spending beyond the agreement amounts is provided.
- AECOM’s bid was 17.4% below the city’s latest estimate; staff say they could not conclusively explain the difference. Terrapex’s bid was 1.3% below its estimate.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not say how many projects or how much work the city will order.
- They do not explain how any costs beyond the stated amounts for contingencies, quantity variations or other impacts would be handled.
Case for#
- City staff say Montréal has identified more than 110 former waste-disposal sites, where construction can involve contaminated soil or water, geotechnical issues and biogas. Specialized agreements could match the expertise to those risks.
- Seven firms bid for the two lots. Staff say this indicates renewed interest and healthy competition.
Case against#
- The agreements commit the city to substantial maximum amounts, while the actual number and size of work orders are not specified.
- Staff could not conclusively explain why AECOM’s bid was well below the city’s estimate. The stated amounts also exclude contingencies and other impacts, leaving the possible overall cost unclear.