Summary#
Montréal’s city council unanimously adopted an orientation asking the agglomeration council to award a direct contract to Mission Old Brewery for services at the Notre-Dame camp site in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. The stated goal is to help people move from the camp site to shelter or housing.
- The proposed contract is for $149,520, taxes included, and covers services for a maximum of 16 weeks.
- Services would include regular outreach at the L’Anonyme respite site, referrals and help with some housing or administrative steps, a survey of available housing, a tool to collect people’s housing needs, and regular information and statistics for the City.
- City staff say Mission Old Brewery was the only one of four community organizations involved in the work group with the capacity, expertise and interest to provide this service. A City study of 19 organizations found no comparable offers for this specific need.
- The contract would be awarded directly, without a call for tenders. The council also approved the proposed service agreement and directed that the expense be charged to the stated financial budget.
What it means for you#
- People staying at the Notre-Dame camp site: If the agglomeration council approves the contract, Mission Old Brewery would offer on-site help to connect people with shelter and housing resources and support some steps toward housing. This does not guarantee anyone a place to live or require them to take part.
- People living nearby: City staff expect the work to support more coordinated interventions and better coexistence in the area. These are expected benefits, not guaranteed results.
- Taxpayers: The agglomeration would pay the full expense. The City says it would not add to the City’s financial framework.
Money#
The proposed contract costs $149,520, taxes included, and would be paid entirely by the agglomeration.
- The City’s decision summary says the amount is planned in the budget of its Service de la diversité et de l’inclusion sociale.
- The service period is a maximum of 16 weeks. The project calendar lists July 13 to October 18, 2026.
- No separate cost estimate for staffing or other expenses is given.
What is unclear#
- The service agreement’s full terms are not included, so details beyond the listed services and maximum period are unclear.
- No publicly available information is given on how many people are expected to receive help, or on specific service targets or outcome measures.
- The materials do not explain what support, if any, would continue after the 16-week period.
Case for#
- A possible argument for the contract is that it would provide a focused team to connect people at the camp site with housing and shelter options.
- City staff say their market study found no comparable offer for this specific service, and that Mission Old Brewery had the expertise and capacity to provide it.
- A direct contract could allow the City to start the targeted service without a tender process.
Case against#
- One concern is that a direct award provides less opportunity to compare prices and service approaches through a competitive tender. The materials give no price comparison.
- The service is limited to a maximum of 16 weeks, and the materials do not say what happens afterward.
- The expected benefits depend on housing and shelter options being available; the materials do not state how many suitable places can be accessed.