The city of Montreal has decided to clear snow from the streets of part of downtown and Rosemont itself next winter after being surprised by overly greedy offers from the private sector.
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Two tenders were therefore completely canceled at the beginning of autumn. For example, it is workers who clear snow from streets and sidewalks in the heart of the business district, a task that has long been outsourced to contractors.
“We really want to send a signal to the market that we will not accept any inflated price,” elected official in charge of the matter Maja Vodanovic said in a telephone interview with La Presse. “It really is a message that we will not be deceived. »
The lowest bidder for the downtown contract (between Atwater and De Bleury) offered to carry out the work for 15 million, while the offer for snow transport in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie was 1 million. Montreal did not specify the amount it would have considered acceptable.
Across the city, about 50% of snow removal is done by workers each winter, while the other 50% is entrusted to the private sector. The recent cancellations of tenders “represent a total of 60 km of snow removal, or a tiny fraction of the 4,100 km of roads that make up the Montreal network,” specifies Montreal.
“If it works well, we’ll continue”
Ms. Vodanovic, also mayor of Lachine, pointed out that this decision still forces workers to reorganize and forces the city to purchase new equipment.
“We didn’t have the necessary equipment, but we bought everything and everything arrived on time. “We’re really happy with it,” she said. We have all the necessary snow removal equipment in-house. […] If it works well, we’ll continue like this. »
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Montreal’s elected representatives voted to purchase eight snow tractors to equip workers.
The latter, who have long advocated for a reduction in subcontracting in Montreal, are happy with the decision. This decision should allow 35 to 40 unskilled workers who are normally laid off over the winter to continue to be employed.
“We welcome the cancellation of two snow removal tenders,” President Jean-Pierre Lauzon said in a written statement. “We are also pleased with the City of Montreal’s decision to have our workers carry out the snow removal. It really is in the interest of all citizens. You have the right to efficient service and that is exactly what we offer you at the best price. »
A surprised entrepreneur
Jason Imbeault is snow removal manager for CMS Entrepreneur, the lowest bidder for the downtown contract.
“We were surprised to see this,” he testified, assuring that his bid of 15 million corresponds to the market price in 2023. His competitors also presented significantly higher prices, he emphasized. “It’s a big sector, an important sector. It’s probably in the toughest areas of Montreal, which certainly means fewer entrepreneurs can go there. It basically has to come from the world of experience. »
“I don’t think they’re really saving any money,” he added, wishing the workers who have to do the work good luck. “I look forward to seeing the quality of service. »