Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously approved a contract with Salvex inc. to renew the basketball courts at Parc Jarry, in the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension. The goal, as described by city staff, is to keep the courts safe and usable.
- The contract covers new acrylic court surfaces, partial fence repairs, concrete paths replacing stone-dust paths, and new bleachers.
- The maximum authorized spending is $703,053.74, taxes included: $585,878.11 for the contract, plus contingency and related-cost budgets.
- Salvex was the lowest compliant bidder in a public call for tenders that received three bids.
What it means for you#
- People using Parc Jarry: The courts and nearby amenities are to be renewed. City staff say the existing surface has cracks, water buildup and reduced grip.
- Taxpayers: The Ville centre (central city) pays the full cost. The spending is funded through the Jarry park rehabilitation program and local borrowing bylaw 23-028.
- Contractor: Salvex must meet the contract terms. The decision summary says late-completion penalties are 0.1% of the contract price before sales taxes per day, with a minimum of $1,000 per day.
Money#
The maximum authorized spending is $703,053.74, taxes included; the city’s net cost after tax rebates is $641,981.77.
- The contract itself is $585,878.11, taxes included ($534,984.81 net of tax rebates).
- The council also authorized $87,881.72 for contingencies and $29,293.91 for related costs, both taxes included.
- City staff estimate the lowest compliant bid was 38.98% above their estimate. They say the bids were consistent with one another and suggest the estimate was below current market costs.
What is unclear#
- The decision materials do not state when the work will start or finish.
- They do not say how much of the contingency or related-cost budgets will be spent.
- The materials do not give details of the contract’s other terms or the work schedule.
Case for#
- City staff say cracks, poor drainage and reduced grip are affecting the courts’ quality and safety. Renewing them may avoid faster deterioration and the need for more extensive work.
- The lowest compliant bid was $17,683.15 below the next-lowest bid. All three bids were compliant.
- The work also includes repairs to fences and new concrete paths and bleachers, not just a new playing surface.
Case against#
- The lowest compliant bid was 38.98% above the city’s estimate, a substantial difference, even though staff say the bids reflect current market costs.
- The decision authorizes contingency spending for unforeseen work, including possible contaminated-soil issues, but does not state how much will ultimately be needed.
- City staff say the courts could deteriorate further if work is delayed; the materials do not give an independent assessment of that risk.