On June 15, 2026, the Bureau de l’inspecteur général (BIG) released findings that an Italian water‑equipment supplier obtained the contract to refurbish the swimming pool at Centre Claude‑Robillard in Montreal after improperly influencing the tender process. The investigation concluded that the supplier’s success was linked to a privileged contact within the engineering consulting firm that was responsible for preparing the tender documents.
According to BIG, the engineering consulting firm played a central role in shaping the specifications and evaluation criteria for the pool renovation project. A contact with special access to the firm’s internal processes allegedly worked with the Italian supplier to adjust the tender language, creating conditions that favored the supplier’s bid. The alterations to the tender documents were not disclosed to other potential bidders, resulting in an uneven playing field.
The procurement misconduct uncovered by BIG centers on the breach of standard public‑sector procurement rules, which require transparency and equal opportunity for all qualified suppliers. By influencing the tender, the privileged contact enabled the Italian company to meet the tailored criteria, leading to the award of the refurbishment contract despite the lack of an open and competitive selection.
The Centre Claude‑Robillard pool renovation was intended to upgrade water‑treatment equipment and improve the facility’s overall functionality. The contract’s award to the Italian supplier now faces scrutiny, and the findings may prompt further administrative review or corrective measures to ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
BIG’s report highlights the importance of safeguarding tender processes from undue influence and reinforces the need for rigorous oversight when public projects involve external consultants. The agency has not disclosed additional disciplinary actions at this stage, but the revelation adds to ongoing concerns about procurement integrity within municipal projects in Quebec.
The case underscores the role of internal controls and the responsibility of consulting firms to maintain impartiality when drafting tender documents, especially for projects that involve public resources and community facilities.