Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously approved its position in favour of awarding a contract to La Cie Électrique Britton ltée. The work would upgrade electrical equipment in blocks B and G of the sludge building at the Jean-R.-Marcotte wastewater treatment plant. The goal, according to city staff, is to reduce the risk of equipment failure affecting wastewater treatment. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The contract would replace eight motor control centres, two electrical distribution panels, and obsolete electrical components.
- The proposed contract price is $1,112,084.19, taxes included, with $222,416.84, taxes included, set aside for contingencies. The total authorized amount is $1,334,501.03, taxes included.
- The contract would run from September 2026 to September 2027. The resolution also requires an evaluation of the contractor’s performance.
What it means for you#
- Residents and taxpayers: The agglomeration would pay the full cost. The decision does not directly change household services or charges.
- The treatment plant: If the contract proceeds, the electrical upgrades would support equipment used in wastewater treatment.
Money#
The maximum total is $1,334,501.03, taxes included, or $1,218,577.32 net of tax rebates.
- The public call for tenders received 11 bids. Britton was the lowest compliant bidder.
- The total was $576,728.40, or 30.18%, below the city’s estimate. The second-lowest compliant bid was $29,254.16 higher.
- The contract includes a contingency budget equal to 20% of the contract price.
What is unclear#
- The city council’s decision sets its position; it does not itself confirm the final contract award.
- The contract summary says there is no monetary penalty for schedule delays unless a delay is unreasonable. It does not explain how an unreasonable delay would be determined.
Case for#
- City staff say the existing equipment has reached the end of its useful life, is obsolete, and has parts that are hard to find. They say failure could cause lengthy interruptions to equipment needed for wastewater treatment.
- The proposed price is below the city’s estimate, and Britton was the lowest compliant bidder.
Case against#
- The contingency budget is $222,416.84, taxes included. The materials do not say how much of it is expected to be used.
- The contract summary does not provide a monetary penalty for schedule delays unless the delay is unreasonable, and does not explain how that standard would be applied.