Collingwood sole-sourced $2.7M in purchases last year

The Town of Collingwood made one emergency purchase and 17 purchases that were "non-standard" based on its procurement policy in 2023, accounting for more than $2.7 million in spending, an uptick from $2 million spent in 2022.

For the most part, those purchases fell into the category of "specialized" to a certain supplier, like software or upgrades/replacements for water treatment equipment.

During the May 6 council meeting, councillors received a report on the 2023 non-standard and emergency procurement purchases, which mostly covered costs associated with the town’s wastewater treatment plant, security and technology.

“That does look like a significant increase...but a lot of it is around one non-standard purchase,” explained Michael Trueman, manager of accountability, procurement and risk management with the town.

The most expensive non-standard purchase last year was for membrane upgrades at the Raymond A. Barker water treatment plant, and cost $1,453,600. 

This purchase was made so the town could replace the oldest membranes in the plant with the more current model: ZeeWeed 500D.

A standard procurement is a competitive process for goods and services, where multiple bidders compete through a proposal process. The intent of the process is to solicit fair, impartial and competitive bids. These types of processes are used when the town requires expertise or services outside of the services town staff can provide.

Non-standard procurement and emergency purchases valued equal to or greater than $25,000 are reported to the public annually by the town. These types of procurement also require a specific process, but are non-competitive due to reasons such as a lack of competition, or a requirement in an emergency situation.

Envision Tatham was paid $314,775 last year for design and construction management of the new Wilson-Sheffield Park.

The town spent $61,210 to rehabilitate three pumps that help to supply water to New Tecumseth, and $32,500 to rehabilitate four of Collingwood’s pumps. Both of these purchases were made through ProSpec Technologies Inc.

The town spent $15,500 last year as part of a five-year deal with TransitFare and Systems LTD for software for the County of Simcoe LINX and Wasaga Beach transit, which is integrated into the Town of Collingwood’s system.

Ace Cabs was given $63,000 by the town last year to run their accessible taxi service, a decision made by council. 

The town spent $99,415 to Neeland Group Limited for maintenance work on the Collingwood Public Library’s heating and cooling systems.

Chime Security was paid $61,000 last year for security services at the Pine Street Transit Terminal.

The one emergency purchase last year was for $32,400, and was for Taylor Creek culvert repairs, and was necessary due to high levels of rain.

Council voted unanimously in favour of receiving the report. Mayor Yvonne Hamlin and Coun. Brandon Houston were absent.

To read the full report including details on all the non-standard and emergency purchases the town made in 2023, click here.