Summary#
On September 21, 2026, Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position supporting an increase to Mécanique CNC (2002) inc.’s contract for mechanical work at the Jean-R.-Marcotte wastewater treatment plant. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The proposed increase is $997,352.51, taxes included: $831,127.09 for contingencies and $166,225.42 for quantity changes.
- If approved, the contract total would rise from $4,155,635.44 to $5,152,987.95, taxes included.
- The existing three-year contract was awarded in 2023 after a public call for tenders with two bids. The materials do not say whether it was the lowest compliant bid.
- City staff say the additional contract room is needed for urgent repairs and upgrades to the plant’s screening equipment.
What it means for you#
- Residents: The decision does not directly change household water or wastewater service. City staff say the plant’s treatment capacity is reduced during heavy rain, which can increase overflows of rainwater mixed with wastewater into waterways. They say repairs are intended to limit that impact.
- Montréal’s agglomeration: It would bear the expense, which the decision summary says is funded through borrowing bylaw RCG 22-007.
- Contractor and city water service: The increase would let the city use Mécanique CNC’s contract for additional mechanical work and specialized labour at the plant. The original contract ends November 23, 2026.
Money#
The proposed additional expense is $997,352.51, taxes included, or $910,715.78 net of tax rebates.
- The amount adds a contingency provision of 20% of the original contract value and a 4% allowance for quantity changes; both were 0% in the original contract.
- The decision summary says the agglomeration pays the full expense and that it is financed through borrowing bylaw RCG 22-007.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not detail which specific repairs or quantity changes will use the additional amounts, or how much of the contingency will be spent.
- They do not give a final work schedule or say when the plant’s full treatment capacity will be restored.
Case for#
- City staff say several screening units are more deteriorated than first assessed, and urgent work is needed to restore reliability and treatment capacity.
- The extra contract amount would allow the city to use a contractor familiar with the equipment, which staff say can help speed critical work.
Case against#
- The contract would increase by nearly $1 million, including a contingency provision, but the materials do not specify how that provision will be allocated or report on its use.
- A temporary reduction in treatment capacity during the work may mean more overflows during heavy rain, according to city staff.