The $ 5M ring is not subject to any competition or offer

Ivanhoe Cambridge, the real estate department of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, did not hold any competition or call for proposals before handing over the high-cost “artistic installation” design order to Claude Carmier + Associates. Newspaper.

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This construction company is based in Montreal RingThe aerial steel structure is 30 meters in diameter and the Caisse de dépôt subsidiary has agreed to pay $ 5 million to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Placeville Mary.

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In response to our questions, the company has received an order not to submit any competition in advance or call for bidding processes, Ivanho certified Cambridge. In other words, he was commanded by mutual agreement.

“To complete this major artistic installation […], We need a creator who understands not only a fine knowledge of urban life, but also the architectural heritage of Montreal. Claude Cormier + Associés catered to these needs through its versatility and experience, ”said Gabriel Melo, spokesman for Ivanhoe Cambridge.

But at the same time, how could the man who manages the woolen stockpile of Quebekers overcome the rules governing the awarding of contracts generally applicable to the public? On this, Ivanho did not respond during a press conference.

Not subject to law

We therefore turn to the Autorité des marchés publics (AMP), whose mandate is to strictly enforce the rules governing public contracts. Upon inspection, AMP explains that, contrary to popular belief, Caisse and its subsidiary are not subject to the law governing the contracting of government agencies.

If that happens, Ivanhoe will have to go through competitive bidding. Or, its spokesman Stephen Howe explained, emphasizing the exception provided by law in the rare cases where a single contract party is possible “due to artistic, inheritance or museological value” of the desired work.

In such a case, and only in such a case, the company is allowed to proceed by mutual agreement.