Summary#
On June 15, 2026, Montréal city council awarded Solotech inc. a contract to supply and install stage and multimedia equipment at Espace du Cœur-Nomade, 3170 boulevard Henri-Bourassa Est, in Montréal-Nord. The total authorized spending is $1,078,699.30, taxes included.
- The contract is $1,027,332.67, taxes included, plus $51,366.63 for contingencies.
- Solotech was the lowest compliant bidder in a public call for tenders. Two bids were received, and both were compliant.
- The contract runs from June 16, 2026, to December 31, 2028. The council also ordered an evaluation of Solotech’s performance.
What it means for you#
- Visitors and residents: The equipment is for the planned library and cultural centre, including its performance and multipurpose rooms. City staff say the centre is expected to open in 2027; the decision does not guarantee that date.
- Solotech: The company must supply and install the equipment under its contract. The council also directed the city to evaluate its performance.
- Residents and businesses: This decision does not directly change your rights, taxes, fees, or eligibility for city services.
Money#
The city authorized a total of $1,078,699.30, taxes included; the financial summary gives a net-of-rebates total of $984,996.24.
- The contract price is $1,027,332.67, taxes included; the contingency budget is $51,366.63, taxes included.
- The spending is assigned to funding already approved for the project. The city’s financial summary says up to $854,976.74, net of rebates, is financed under borrowing bylaw 20-049, and up to $130,019.50 under borrowing bylaw 21-044. Its breakdown also shows a $341,990.69 Québec culture ministry grant within the first amount.
- The city says the spending is fully borne by the central city, not the boroughs.
What is unclear#
- The decision does not explain how the city will approve or use the contingency money.
- The materials do not give the result of the performance evaluation, which is to happen after the contract is awarded.
Case for#
- Solotech’s bid was 5.32% below the city’s latest estimate, and two compliant bids were received.
- The purchase supplies stage, audio, video, lighting, and other equipment for the planned cultural centre. City staff say it will support the experience in different spaces, including the performance and multipurpose rooms.
Case against#
- Only two bids were received, so the competition was limited; the other compliant bid was $69,767.47 higher, including contingencies.
- The city has authorized the full contingency amount, but the materials do not say what circumstances would justify using it.