Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to extend Groupe de sécurité Garda s.e.n.c.’s contract for security services at three water-service facilities. It supports exercising both 12-month options and adding $2,623,890.44, taxes included, bringing the contract total to $6,382,188.04, taxes included. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The extensions would run from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028, covering the Atwater and Charles-J.-Des Baillets drinking-water plants and the J.-R.-Marcotte wastewater treatment plant.
- Services include guarding, surveillance, access control and patrols.
- The original contract was awarded after public call for tenders 23-19999. Four bids were received; one met the requirements and passed the set scoring threshold. The materials do not say it was the lowest bid.
What it means for you#
- Residents and water-service users: The decision does not directly change your water service or create a new public service. If the extension receives final approval, Garda’s security services would continue at the three facilities.
- Taxpayers: The added expense is assigned entirely to the agglomeration, which is responsible for water supply and wastewater treatment.
- Garda: The company has accepted the proposed renewal, subject to approval by the relevant authorities, according to city staff.
Money#
The proposed added expenditure is $2,623,890.44, taxes included, for the two-year extension.
- The total contract amount would rise from $3,758,297.60 to $6,382,188.04, taxes included.
- City staff say the expense would be funded from the SGPI operating budget and borne entirely by the agglomeration.
- No contingency budget is included; staff say the contract has a planned annual bank of hours for each lot.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not compare the extension’s prices with current market prices or other providers.
- The decision gives no expected number of security incidents prevented or other measured results.
Case for#
- City staff say the facilities provide essential services and are sensitive and strategic sites where security helps protect people, buildings and operations.
- Staff say Garda’s service has been adequate and its familiarity with the sites supports continuity.
Case against#
- Only one of the four bids for the original contract met the requirements and passed the scoring threshold. The materials do not show whether the extension price was compared with other providers or current market prices.
- The materials do not report how the extended service’s results or value for money will be assessed.