Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position in favour of awarding a contract to Electro Performance G.L. inc. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. The goal, according to city staff, is to provide temporary electricity for the 2026 UCI Road World Championships and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
- The proposed contract covers the design and management of a complete temporary electrical network, including installation and deployment, for about one month: approximately September 5 to October 4, 2026.
- It would supply electricity to event sites, including start and finish areas and the fan village, and include staff, generators and an emergency service during the events.
- The contract would be non-renewable and cost $489,839.49, taxes included.
- It followed a public call for tenders. Electro Performance G.L. inc. was the only bidder and its bid was compliant.
What it means for you#
- Event visitors and the public: If the agglomeration council approves the contract, the supplier would provide electrical services for the events. The decision does not set public access rules or change residents’ rights.
- Taxpayers: The agglomeration would cover the full expense, according to the decision summary.
Money#
The contract is for $489,839.49, taxes included; the decision summary says the agglomeration pays the full amount.
- The summary says $447,288.75, net of tax rebates, is covered in full through the agglomeration’s Aide à l’élite sportive et aux événements sportifs d’envergure métropolitaine program.
- The bid was $64,412.44, or 11.62%, below the city’s latest estimate of $554,251.93.
- The summary gives no estimate of other costs or savings from the contract.
What is unclear#
- The summary gives conflicting figures for how many companies obtained the tender documents: two in one part and three in another. It says one bid was received.
- The tender documents, which set the detailed service requirements, are not included here.
Case for#
- City staff say the event’s scale, logistics and staffing needs exceed what the city can provide itself.
- Staff say the contract would provide electricity at event sites and include emergency staffing; they cite safety for athletes, the public and vehicles as a reason for the contract.
- The only compliant bid was below the city’s latest estimate.
Case against#
- Only one bid was received, so the materials offer no comparison with another compliant offer.
- The contract would commit public funds, but the available material does not explain how the city would address electrical needs if the supplier could not deliver.