Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously set its position to award Cimota inc. a contract to extend a stormwater overflow at the Jean-R.-Marcotte wastewater treatment plant’s technical landfill in Montréal-Est. This is an orientation for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the work is intended to reduce safety risks for workers and improve water management.
- The proposed contract covers extending the overflow from landfill bench 6 to bench 8, including a new pipe and its supports, a concrete base, anchoring, and drainage work.
- Cimota was the lowest compliant bidder in a public call for tenders that received six bids.
- The proposed contract is $401,108.68, taxes included, with a further $80,221.74, taxes included, set aside for contingencies.
What it means for you#
- Workers at the landfill: If the work goes ahead, it would change part of the site’s drainage system. City staff say the changes are meant to address risks identified after a workplace near-incident.
- Residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ services, fees, or rules. The work is at the wastewater plant’s landfill at 11175 boulevard Métropolitain Est, in Montréal-Est.
Money#
The proposed maximum expenditure is $481,330.42, taxes included, or $439,518.83 net of tax rebates.
- The agglomeration would bear the full cost under borrowing bylaw RCG-22-007.
- The contract amount is $401,108.68, taxes included; the contingency budget is $80,221.74, taxes included.
- The contract amount with contingencies is 27.2% above the city’s estimate. Staff attribute the difference mainly to risks from working at height on a rock face and higher material costs.
- The work is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and finish in July 2027.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not explain how the contingency budget would be used or what approval would be needed to draw on it.
- The contract term and any renewal options are not stated.
Case for#
- City staff say a safety investigation identified corrective measures after a near-incident. Extending the overflow could address some of the risks workers face during site operations and maintenance.
- Staff also say the drainage changes could improve management of stormwater and landfill liquids.
Case against#
- The proposed contract and contingency total is $102,913.20 above the city’s estimate. Staff explain the gap, but it means the work is expected to cost more than planned.
- The contingency is 20% of the contract amount. The materials do not explain how much of it is likely to be needed.