Old Montreal will remain a construction zone well past the city’s 375th anniversary celebrations next year, but the city says it’s imposing strict conditions in a new contract to a firm that will carry out major work around Place Jacques-Cartier to leave the area clear of construction mess during 2017.
The city executive committee awarded a $12-million construction contract to the firm Entreprise de construction Ventec Inc. to redo St-Paul St. between Place Jacques-Cartier and Berri St., de la rue du Marché-Bonsecours, Bonsecours St., between St-Paul and de La Commune St. and the sidewalk on the north side of de la Commune between Marché-Bonsecours St. and Bonsecours St.
The work, which includes widening sidewalks to create more space for pedestrians, is to begin in May and be completed in December 2018.
But since the area will be a hub for the city’s festivities to celebrate the anniversary of its founding next year, the contract includes some special provisions.
For starters, the contract forbids construction work during 2017, says an executive summary accompanying the resolution to award the contract.
As well, Ventec will have to be finished with the portion of work planned for St-Paul, between Place Jacques-Cartier and Bonsecours, this year, the summary says. To do so, the firm is required to have two work teams going at all times. The work must carry on six days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The firm is also authorized to work on Sundays if necessary, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The city will impose larger-than-usual penalties if work is delayed, the summary says. It doesn’t provide the amount. An unspecified bonus is also provided for in the contract if the work is completed ahead of schedule.
