Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a position on extra spending for Nordmec Construction inc.’s work at the wastewater-treatment landfill in Montréal-Est. It would authorize extra contract spending and require an evaluation of Nordmec’s performance; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the work aims to restore the pumping station and protect the site.
- The position authorizes four amounts: $570,481.83 for extra work, plus budgets of $57,048.18 for contingencies, $28,524.09 for quantity changes and $57,048.18 for impacts. All are taxes included.
- It directs that Nordmec’s performance be evaluated.
- The work is at the pumping station serving the landfill at 11175 boulevard Métropolitain Est, Montréal-Est. It includes clearing debris, pump and valve work, pipe changes, and electrical and automation work.
- The original contract was awarded to Nordmec in 2025 after a public call for tenders with two bids. The materials do not say whether Nordmec’s bid was the lowest compliant one.
What it means for you#
- Residents and taxpayers: This decision does not itself make the additional spending final. If approved, the agglomeration would pay the full cost, using borrowing bylaw RCG 22-007. The decision does not set a fee or change residents’ rights.
- City operations: The extra work is intended to allow the pumping station to return to service. City staff say the station helps control water levels and supports safe sampling and maintenance.
- Nordmec: The decision directs an evaluation of the company’s performance. It does not set out how that evaluation will be done.
Money#
The resolution’s listed amounts total $713,102.28, taxes included; the title and decision summary state $713,102.29.
- The stated total contract value would rise from $400,408.26 to $1,113,510.54, taxes included.
- City staff estimate the extra spending at $651,157.44 net of tax rebates and say the agglomeration would pay it in full.
- The decision summary says the original contract included $66,734.71 in contingencies. The new amounts include additional contingency, quantity-change and impact budgets.
What is unclear#
- The one-cent difference between the resolution’s amounts and the title and summary is not explained.
- The materials do not give a timeline for completing the work or the method and criteria for Nordmec’s performance evaluation.
Case for#
- City staff say the work revealed much more debris and more damaged equipment than expected, based on information and surveys from 2016.
- The extra work could allow the station to return to service. Staff warn that without it, site operations and water-level control could be disrupted, with risks to infrastructure and worker safety.
Case against#
- The contract’s value would increase by more than $713,000, from $400,408.26 to $1,113,510.54.
- The original work plan relied on information from 2016, and the city says it lacked the specialized resources needed for a detailed inspection beforehand. That leaves a fair question about whether more could have been learned before the original contract was awarded.
- The resolution requires a performance evaluation but does not explain how it will assess the work or address the causes of the extra cost.