Summary#
This Montréal city council decision sets the City’s position on paying Groupe CH inc. for the July 7, 2026 memorial ceremony for police officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, and on adding a 2026 budget from contingency funds. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- City council unanimously approved an orientation to authorize payment of the $245,313.26 invoice, taxes included, for Centre Bell rooms, catering, audiovisual services and event production.
- It also approved an orientation to authorize an additional $224,003.71 for 2026, net of tax rebates, from the contingency budget.
What it means for you#
- Montréal residents and taxpayers: The proposed expense is for a ceremony that has already taken place. City staff say the agglomeration would bear the full cost because public safety, including the police service, is an agglomeration responsibility.
Money#
The city council’s orientation authorizes a $224,003.71 additional 2026 budget, net of tax rebates, from contingency funds.
- The resolution also seeks authorization to pay Groupe CH inc.’s $245,313.26 invoice, taxes included. City staff’s cost breakdown gives a total of $224,003.71 after tax rebates.
- City staff say the expense is fully borne by the agglomeration and affects the City’s financial framework.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not explain why the invoice amount and the additional budget amount differ beyond the staff breakdown showing tax rebates.
- They do not say how Groupe CH inc. was selected, or whether there was a call for tenders.
- No further detail is provided on the impact on the City’s financial framework.
Case for#
- City staff say the ceremony gave the officer’s family, colleagues and community a chance to honour his memory.
- Staff say Centre Bell was chosen for its capacity and its proximity to the Montréal police headquarters, where the procession began.
Case against#
- One concern is that the materials give no information about how the supplier was selected or whether alternatives were considered.
- The decision adds spending from contingency funds and staff say it affects the City’s financial framework, but the materials do not quantify that broader impact.