Summary#
Montréal city council approved a 24-month extension of its existing contract with Aquatech société de gestion de l'eau inc. for the groundwater treatment plant and capture system at 125 rue Fernand-Séguin, in the Sud-Ouest borough. City staff say the work is intended to keep contaminated groundwater from flowing into the St. Lawrence River and to treat it before discharge.
- The extension starts October 26, 2026. The authorized amount is $823,212.45, taxes included, including a $74,837.50 contingency.
- This raises the contract’s total value from $1,235,878.37 to $2,059,090.82, taxes and contingencies included.
- The services cover operating and maintaining the plant and capture system, including operator and specialist staff, parts and supplies.
- The original contract was awarded after a public call for tenders that received two bids. This decision exercises a renewal option in that contract rather than holding a new call for tenders.
What it means for you#
- People near the site: The work will continue at the plant and system that capture and treat groundwater at the Pointe-Saint-Charles business park. City staff warn that stopping operations could raise groundwater levels and affect underground infrastructure, including nearby building basements.
- Residents and businesses generally: The decision does not change taxes, create a new fee, or provide a new individual service or benefit.
Money#
The city authorized $823,212.45, taxes included, for the 24-month extension.
- Of that amount, $748,374.95 is for the contract and $74,837.50 is a contingency.
- The city centre pays the full cost, from a budget for the site funded by the “Passif environnemental” reserve. Staff say an annual operating budget is planned from this reserve for 25 years after the infrastructure was built; no amount is given.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not say how much, if any, of the contingency will be used.
- They do not give the annual operating budget amount or details of the work’s performance measures and public reporting.
Case for#
- City staff say the plant and capture system are needed to keep contaminated groundwater from reaching the river and to meet the city’s commitments to environmental authorities.
- Staff report that Aquatech’s services have been satisfactory. Using the available renewal option may support continuity and avoid a gap between contract periods.
Case against#
- The decision extends the existing contract without a new call for tenders. The original competition drew two bids, but the materials do not compare the renewal price with other current options.
- The city has authorized a contingency, but the materials do not explain what circumstances would justify using it or how much may ultimately be spent.