Council extends police dispatch maintenance

Summary#

Montréal city council unanimously approved a position to renew Peraton International LLC’s maintenance contract for the SPVM’s computer-aided dispatch system for 12 months, from May 5, 2026, to May 4, 2027. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the renewal’s goal is to keep the system operating until a replacement is expected at the end of 2027.

  • The renewal covers software support, repairs, updates, system and database administration, development and testing, and 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service.
  • The approved position authorizes an additional $599,490.12 USD for the contract, plus a $47,669.48 CAD contingency for exchange-rate changes.
  • The full additional amount is $1,001,059.12 CAD, taxes included. It would bring the contract total to $2,533,896 USD ($4,048,053.05 CAD, taxes included).
  • The position authorizes the City’s director of Public Safety and Justice to sign contract documents. The contract was originally awarded directly to Peraton; staff say it is the only firm authorized to maintain and change the software.

What it means for you#

  • SPVM and the public: City staff say the renewal is intended to keep dispatch operations running. The system supports assigning police resources and vehicles, handling emergency calls, and communications across Montréal Island.
  • Taxpayers: The agglomeration would pay the full expense. City staff say the necessary credits are in the IT department’s operating budget and that the expense has no impact on the City’s financial framework.
  • Contractor: Peraton would provide another 12 months of maintenance under the existing contract, if the agglomeration council approves the position.

Money#

The proposed additional expense is $1,001,059.12 CAD, taxes included.

  • This is made up of $953,389.64 CAD for the renewal and $47,669.48 CAD for contingencies. The renewal amount is $599,490.12 USD.
  • City staff report the total expense excluding taxes as $914,100.41.
  • The contract was originally awarded directly, not through a call for tenders, according to the decision summary. Staff say Peraton is the only firm able and authorized to provide the service.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not explain what happens if the replacement system is not ready by the end of 2027.
  • They do not give details about the replacement system’s cost or schedule beyond saying it is expected at the end of 2027.

Case for#

  • City staff say continued maintenance is needed to keep a system they describe as critical to police operations running.
  • The 12-month extension could provide time to move toward the planned replacement without interrupting dispatch services.
  • Staff say Peraton holds the software rights and no other firm is authorized to make changes, which supports renewing with the existing provider.

Case against#

  • The contract is not being opened to competition for this renewal. Staff give a reason—Peraton’s exclusive rights and authorization—but the materials do not compare other options.
  • The added expense is substantial, and the materials do not explain what the City would do if the planned replacement is delayed.