Summary#
Montréal city council approved an additional $419,658.75, taxes included, for Saint-Denis Thompson inc.’s renovation work at 2075 rue Plessis. The decision raises the contract’s total authorized amount from $2,728,892.08 to $3,148,550.83, taxes included. City staff say the goal is to finish necessary work on the building’s foundations and façades.
- The added money increases the contract’s contingency budget (funds for extra work) to $833,127.25, or 40.30% of the base contract amount.
- The original contract was awarded through a public call for tenders that received four bids. The materials do not say whether Saint-Denis Thompson’s bid was the lowest compliant bid.
- The council’s resolution authorizes the extra spending and says it must be charged according to the file’s financial information.
What it means for you#
- City of Montréal: The city can pay for additional work under the existing contract. City staff say unexpected site conditions include more deteriorated masonry than estimated, contaminated soil and contaminated water.
- Residents and building users: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, fees or services. Staff say the added work is intended to help keep the building safe while awaiting a later renovation phase.
- Taxpayers: The city’s central administration bears 100% of the expense, according to city staff.
Money#
The decision authorizes $419,658.75 in additional spending, taxes included; city staff report the net amount after tax rebates is $383,204.37.
- Staff say $252,945, taxes included, for securing the north and south façades will come from the operating budget. They also identify borrowing bylaw 24-009 as a financing source for the additional expense.
- The remaining disbursement is planned for 2026.
What is unclear#
- The decision does not explain how the city will track or approve individual change directives paid from the added contingency.
- The financial summary does not clearly show how the operating-budget amount and borrowing-by-law funding divide the full additional expense.
Case for#
- City staff say the extra funds are needed to complete work made necessary by conditions found during construction, including more extensive foundation masonry repairs and contaminated soil and water.
- Staff warn that refusing the increase would end the project before the planned work is complete, potentially affecting the building’s structure and occupancy.
Case against#
- The contingency budget will rise to 40.30% of the base contract amount, a substantial increase over the original 20% contingency.
- The additional authorization covers several current and forthcoming directives; the decision does not set out detailed tracking or approval steps for spending that contingency.