Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position supporting a contract with 4455878 Canada inc. (Bruser). This is an orientation for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting; the contract is not yet finally awarded. City staff say the goal is to assess 32 sewer-interception structures to support asset planning.
- The proposed contract is for 17 months and costs $1,378,538.75, taxes included.
- Bruser would inspect 12 structures in the first six months and 20 more over the following 11 months. It would assess their condition, identify near-term intervention needs and estimate their costs.
- The city’s position also calls for an evaluation of Bruser’s performance.
- A public call for tenders drew one bid. It met the requirements; after negotiations, Bruser reduced its original price by 22%.
What it means for you#
- Residents and users of the sewer system: The inspections would give the city information about the condition of these structures. City staff say the findings would help set maintenance and repair priorities. The decision does not itself approve repairs or change sewer service, fees or taxes.
- Agglomeration: It would pay the full contract cost from its budgets for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Money#
The proposed contract costs $1,378,538.75, taxes included ($1,258,789.62 net of tax rebates).
- Planned budget amounts are $494,875.40 for 2026, $816,663.35 for 2027 and $67,000 for 2028.
- The revised price is $230,197.06, or 20.05%, above the city’s estimate of $1,148,341.69.
- Three firms obtained the tender documents, but only Bruser submitted a bid. Negotiations reduced its price from $1,628,886.32, taxes included.
What is unclear#
- The inspection results and any later repair costs are not yet known. This contract covers assessment and planning, not repairs.
- The decision materials do not explain how the city will prioritize or fund later work based on the findings.
Case for#
- The inspections would provide detailed condition information on 32 structures. City staff say this could help identify risks and plan maintenance and interventions.
- The sole bid met the tender requirements, and negotiations reduced its price by 22%.
Case against#
- There was no competing bid to compare with Bruser’s price, which remains 20.05% above the city estimate.
- The contract would identify intervention needs, but does not fund any resulting repairs. Their cost and timing remain unknown.