Summary#
Montréal city council approved an 18-month framework agreement with Intervia inc. for professional services related to traffic and work impacts during Commission des services électriques de Montréal (CSEM) underground-network work. The goal, as described by city staff, is better control of traffic on Montréal streets during that work.
- The agreement allows CSEM to request services from Intervia for specific projects, up to a maximum of $804,250.13, taxes included.
- Services include preparing traffic plans, monitoring traffic arrangements, and managing impacts.
- Intervia was selected from a public call for tenders with four bids. It received the highest final score, but its bid was $795.82 higher than the lowest bid.
- The council also approved the service agreement, required an evaluation of Intervia’s performance, and authorized the CSEM president to sign for the City.
What it means for you#
- People living near CSEM work: City staff say Intervia will distribute work notices to nearby residents, which will also be posted on the CSEM website.
- The public: The agreement covers services for CSEM work at different locations; it does not set out a specific list of projects or guarantee a particular traffic outcome.
Money#
The agreement has a maximum value of $804,250.13, taxes included; the actual amount depends on work requested.
- City staff say the costs are financed through the city’s PDI and reimbursed through charges to CSEM users.
- The agreement runs from May 2026 to November 2027. The decision does not state a renewal option.
What is unclear#
- The decision summary’s comparison with the city’s estimate appears inconsistent: it calls $804,250.13 the lowest compliant bid, although its table lists Parsons at $803,454.13.
- City staff say the recommended bid was 13.7% below the estimate and that they found no clear explanation for that gap.
- The materials do not specify how many individual work requests will be made or their locations.
Case for#
- City staff say these services are intended to improve traffic control during CSEM work.
- Four bids were received, and Intervia had the highest final score under the stated selection criteria.
- The authorized maximum limits the total amount payable under this agreement.
Case against#
- Intervia was not the lowest bidder; Parsons bid $795.82 less.
- The city’s stated comparison between the selected bid and its estimate is difficult to reconcile with the bid table, and staff say they could not establish a clear reason for the gap from the available information.
- The agreement leaves the number and locations of work assignments to later requests.