Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position asking the agglomeration council to approve more money for existing household garbage disposal contracts. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. The stated goal, according to city staff, is to keep the services running until October 31, 2027.
- The proposed increase is $5,007,540.38, taxes included, for nine contracts with Complexe Enviro Connexions ltée, GFL Environmental inc., Recyclage Notre-Dame inc. and WM Québec inc.
- It consists of $4,111,478.69 for higher-than-expected quantities and $896,061.69 in contingency funds (money set aside for extra costs).
- The contracts cover garbage disposal for parts of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, and the boroughs of Anjou, Le Sud-Ouest, Lachine, Montréal-Nord, Outremont and Verdun.
- If approved, the total for these contracts would rise from $34,015,415.37 to $39,022,955.75, including taxes, quantity variations and contingencies. The original contracts followed a public call for tenders that received five bids; the material does not say whether these companies submitted the lowest compliant bids.
What it means for you#
- Residents in the named areas: The increase is intended to maintain garbage-disposal services through October 31, 2027. It does not create a new household charge.
- The agglomeration: It would pay 100% of the added contract cost from its operating budget for waste-management services.
- Contractors: The four named companies would receive increased contract amounts if the agglomeration council approves the added spending.
Money#
The proposed added spending is $5,007,540.38, taxes included.
- Of this, $186,121.46 is allocated to 2026 and $4,821,418.92 to 2027.
- City staff say the increase does not require a larger budget for the department responsible for waste management.
- A separate Québec government disposal levy is estimated at about $2,950,273 net over two fiscal years and is not included in these contract costs. The city receives an equivalent amount through a provincial grant.
What is unclear#
- The material does not break down how much garbage volume increased or explain in detail why the original estimates were too low.
- It does not provide a cost comparison with other ways of maintaining service through October 2027.
Case for#
- City staff say actual use of disposal services was higher than forecast, and added funds would allow the contracts to continue to their planned end date.
- Staff say refusing the increase could require an urgent new call for tenders, risking service in the affected areas and potentially leading to higher costs.
- The increase is directed to existing contracts rather than a new service arrangement.
Case against#
- The proposed increase is 14.72% of the stated initial contract budget, reflecting a gap between forecast and actual service needs.
- The material does not explain the size or causes of that gap, or compare the added cost with alternatives.