On June 15, 2026, an internal audit conducted by the Bureau of the Inspector General (BIG) disclosed that an Italian water‑equipment supplier may have improperly swayed the tender process for the refurbishment of the Centre Claude‑Robillard pool in Montreal, Quebec.
The audit focused on the procurement procedures overseen by an engineering consulting firm tasked with managing the pool renovation project. According to the audit report, a privileged contact within that consulting firm allegedly participated in shaping the request for proposals in a manner that advantaged the Italian supplier.
The alleged influence involved the drafting of specifications and criteria that aligned with the supplier’s product offerings, creating conditions that made it more likely for the supplier to win the contract. The supplier, identified only as an Italian water‑equipment provider, has not been named in the audit findings.
BIG’s investigation highlighted that the consulting firm’s role in the tender process was compromised by the insider’s actions, raising concerns about the integrity of the procurement. The audit concluded that the tender process did not follow standard competitive practices, and the resulting contract for the pool’s refurbishment may have been awarded on the basis of the undue influence.
The findings have prompted a review of the contract and the procurement procedures used by the consulting firm. Officials have indicated that the audit’s conclusions will be examined to determine appropriate corrective measures and to ensure compliance with public procurement regulations.
The Centre Claude‑Robillard pool renovation, a project intended to modernize municipal recreational facilities, now faces scrutiny as authorities assess the extent of the alleged misconduct and consider potential repercussions for the parties involved.