The trade dispute that paralyzed the construction sites of the two compost treatment centers in Montreal has still not been resolved, four months later, the Plante administration revealed on Monday.
According to the City of Montreal, the construction of the biomethanation plant in Montreal-East and the compost plant in Saint-Laurent is behind schedule due to a conflict between the project manager (Veolia) and its subcontractor (EBC).
EBC workers completely deserted the sites this summer. In October, the City of Montreal announced that ancillary and winterization works were underway, but the projects themselves were still stalled.
“There is a dispute between the contractor and its main subcontractor. These are complex issues, we understand, ”said Marie-Andrée Mauger, head of the environment for the Plante administration. “We urge Veolia […] to come to an agreement with its main subcontractor so that we are not held hostage in this private dispute. »
Mme Mauger pointed out that “things continue to move forward, there is activity on the sites at the moment”, apparently referring to the ancillary and winterization works in progress.
She was questioned by Alan DeSousa, mayor of Saint-Laurent. “How can we be sure that Montrealers will not have to pay again and again for new delays? he wondered.
The Saint-Laurent plant is 90% complete, while the Montreal East plant is 60%.
The city council voted on Monday an increase of 11 million in the budget of the biomethanation plant in Montreal East. This increase is not linked to cost overruns, but to changes of orders, said Mr.me Mauger. “These are not whims, these are really important elements”
Together, the two plants will cost at least 100 million more than originally planned and will be delivered months – if not years – late.