Summary#
Montréal city council approved a three-year contract with Contant inc. to operate the snow-disposal site at 1025, 4e Avenue, in the borough of Lachine. The contract was awarded through a public call for tenders; Contant submitted the lowest compliant bid. The city’s stated goal is to support snow-removal operations and safe travel.
- The approved maximum is $1,272,385.20, taxes included, including the contract amount and budgets for contingencies and quantity changes.
- The contract begins when awarded; services are scheduled from November 15, 2026, to November 14, 2029.
- The city must evaluate Contant’s performance at the end of the contract.
What it means for you#
- Residents: The decision funds operation of the Lachine snow-disposal site. It does not directly change residents’ fees or create a new service.
- City administration: The city must pay for the contract from the operating budget of the Service de la concertation des arrondissements et de l’expérience citoyenne.
- Contant inc.: The company receives the contract and will be subject to a performance evaluation.
Money#
The city authorized a maximum expense of $1,272,385.20, taxes included.
- This comprises $942,507.56 for the contract, $188,501.51 for contingencies, and $141,376.13 for changes in quantities.
- The expense is paid by the central city’s operating budget. City staff say extra funding from the snow reserve may be brought forward for approval if winter conditions require it.
What is unclear#
- The decision does not explain how the city will assess Contant’s performance.
- It is not known how much of the contingency and quantity-change budgets will be used. City staff say severe winters could require additional funding.
- The decision authorizes a three-year contract but does not state a renewal option.
Case for#
- Contant was the lowest compliant bidder among two bids received, at 1.8% below the city’s latest estimate.
- A possible argument for the contract is that it assigns operation of the site for three years, supporting the city’s snow-removal work.
- City staff say snow disposal helps maintain safe travel for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Case against#
- Only two bids were received, and the second compliant bid was 27.45% higher than Contant’s. That leaves limited competition in this tender.
- The city authorized $329,877.64 for contingencies and quantity changes. The final cost could reach the full authorized maximum, and severe winters could require further funding.