Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously approved a contract with Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes s.e.n.c.r.l., NCK inc. and Martin Roy et Associés inc. for professional architecture and engineering services for the Maison Le Ber-Le Moyne, its annex and outbuilding in Lachine. The contract and related budgets total $412,442.92, taxes included. City staff say the project aims to conserve the heritage buildings and improve visitor access and some building systems.
- The contract covers assessing existing conditions, preparing plans and tender documents, estimating construction costs, supervising the work, and providing other services during construction and the warranty period.
- The planned work includes foundation conservation, localized structural repairs, basement decontamination, preserving architectural features, roof repairs, improving access and updating some technical equipment.
- Council approved $59,207.53 for contingencies and $57,197.76 for related services and other possible studies, in addition to the $296,037.63 base contract.
- The firms were the only bidder. Their proposal passed the selection criteria, with an interim score of 84%.
What it means for you#
- Visitors and the public: The decision funds professional services for planned conservation work at the Maison Le Ber-Le Moyne site. It does not award the construction contract itself or promise a specific completion date for the work.
- The city: The City of Montréal must pay the approved expenses. The contract runs from September 7, 2026, to September 7, 2031.
Money#
The approved total is $412,442.92, taxes included; the city’s listed net cost after tax rebates is lower.
- Base contract: $296,037.63, taxes included ($270,321.82 net of tax rebates).
- Contingencies: $59,207.53, taxes included ($54,064.37 net).
- Related services and other possible studies: $57,197.76, taxes included ($52,229.18 net).
- The city’s central administration pays the full amount, planned across 2026 (25%), 2027 (50%) and 2028 (25%). The expense is listed under the city’s investment program and borrowing bylaw 24-009.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give the expected cost of the construction work itself.
- They do not say which contingencies will be used, or how much of the budget for related services will be spent on each item.
- The contract sets an end date but the materials do not provide a construction schedule or specific completion dates for the planned work.
Case for#
- A possible argument for the decision is that professional services are needed to plan and oversee conservation work on the heritage buildings. The only bidder passed the selection criteria, and the base contract plus contingencies was below the city staff estimate for those items.
Case against#
- One concern is the limited competition: only one of 14 firms that obtained the tender documents submitted a bid. City staff report that firms cited conflicts of interest, difficulty assembling a team, other commitments or the project’s complexity; seven gave no reason.