Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to award a one-month security contract to Groupe de sécurité Garda s.e.n.c. for the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the goal is to provide security for the event.
- The proposed contract covers lots 1 and 2 and costs $880,543.17, taxes included. It is expected to run from about September 5 to October 4, 2026, with no renewal.
- Garda was the lowest compliant bidder for both lots. The contract followed a public call for tenders.
- The security work would cover event routes and sites, including start and finish areas and the fan village, and would complement Montréal police staffing.
What it means for you#
- Event attendees and the public: If the contract is awarded, Garda staff would provide security around event sites, pedestrian crossings and temporary mobility measures. The event is scheduled for September 19–27, 2026.
- People in Montréal: City staff describe the work as taking place during street closures, but the materials do not specify which streets or closure times. The decision does not itself set those details.
Money#
The proposed contract expenditure is $880,543.17, taxes included.
- The decision says to charge the expense according to the financial information in the decision file. No further funding source or cost breakdown is given.
- City staff report that Garda’s bids were 10.34% below the city’s latest estimates for both lots; they say they could not identify a conclusive, documented reason for the difference.
What is unclear#
- The council’s decision sets a position to award the contract; the materials do not include the agglomeration council’s final decision.
- The decision summary says quantities and needs are estimates, but does not explain whether that could change the final amount.
- The summary’s description of compliant bids does not fully align with the lot tables and its note that the lowest lot 2 bid failed technical requirements.
Case for#
- City staff say the event’s staffing needs and logistics exceed what the city can provide with its own staff.
- Garda was the lowest compliant bidder for both lots, and the contract is limited to about one month with no renewal.
- The security work would complement police staffing and cover event sites and temporary pedestrian and mobility measures.
Case against#
- The price was below the city’s estimate for both lots, but city staff could not explain the difference conclusively.
- The materials give limited detail about the staffing levels and how the estimated quantities may affect delivery or cost.