Summary#
Montréal city council approved a direct-award contract with Transvrac Montréal-Laval inc. for snow-transport services in the boroughs of Montréal-Nord and Plateau-Mont-Royal. It covers one winter season, with an option for the City to extend it by 12 months if Transvrac agrees. City staff say the arrangement is intended to support snow-removal operations and coordinate transport.
- The City approved a maximum of $3,463,376.77, taxes included, for the initial season.
- If the City exercises the extension option, an additional maximum of $3,567,278.07, taxes included, is planned.
- Transvrac acts as a broker between the City and a group of truckers; the contract was awarded without a call for tenders.
What it means for you#
- Residents of Montréal-Nord and Plateau-Mont-Royal: The contract provides for snow transport in your boroughs. It does not change residents’ duties or create a new service application process.
- Taxpayers: The City has approved spending for the contract. City staff say funds are in the relevant service budget, but additional credits may be needed if winter conditions are severe.
- Truckers and small businesses: Transvrac will arrange the services as broker. The decision does not set out how individual truckers are selected or assigned work.
Money#
The approved maximum for the initial winter season is $3,463,376.77, taxes included.
- A 12-month extension would have an additional maximum cost of $3,567,278.07, taxes included, subject to the City exercising the option and Transvrac’s prior agreement.
- City staff say the costs use rates in the Québec transport ministry’s schedule for snow and ice transport. They say budget credits are available, but extra credits may be needed in severe winters; use of the City’s snow reserve would require a further decision.
What is unclear#
- The decision does not give the amount of snow to be transported or the detailed service requirements.
- It does not explain how truckers will be assigned work through Transvrac.
- The decision summary says the broker will not receive a performance evaluation at the end of the contract.
Case for#
- City staff say the City does not have enough trucks to handle all snow transport itself, so hiring outside services helps meet winter operating needs.
- Staff say using Transvrac can coordinate truckers and equipment across the two boroughs. They also say the contract uses published provincial rates.
Case against#
- The City awarded the contract directly, without a call for tenders, so the decision materials do not show competing bids or how this price compares with other offers.
- Costs could rise if severe winter conditions require additional budget credits.
- Without an end-of-contract performance evaluation, the decision does not specify a formal way to assess Transvrac’s performance.