The City of Terrebonne will replace the firm that accompanied it for the largest contract in its history, targeted by allegations of conflicts of interest.

• Read also: Allegations of conflict of interest: UPAC returns to Terrebonne

The administration of Mayor Mathieu Traversy announced on Monday that it would make changes to the file for the construction of the water treatment plant, a $100 million project.

Our Bureau of Investigation revealed a few hours earlier that the firm FNX-Innov, which is monitoring the work, has the same owners as one of the companies carrying out the work.

The Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) and the Public Procurement Authority (AMP) have looked into the situation in recent months.

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The City now claims to have "begun discussions so that a transition protocol can be put in place and another firm can take over the supervision of the work, at no additional cost to taxpayers".

A call for tenders will be launched shortly. FNX-Innov is still monitoring the work today, says the project contractor. The City says that by the end of the week, a third party will be mandated to ensure that no problems arise with this project.

Terrebonne also claims that it was FNX-Innov itself that "informed the City of its desire to withdraw [...] to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest".

What needs to be done

However, in recent weeks, both the City and the consulting engineering firm were much less affirmative when questioned by our Bureau of Investigation.

Pierre-Yves Méthot, one of the two owners of FNX-Innov, said in an interview on May 9 that "one day, I will receive instructions from the administration [Terrebonne], then they will tell us ' 'this is what must be done'".

In addition, Mayor Traversy's press secretary reiterated twice, on April 22 and May 9, that "discussions on this subject between the City and FNX-INOV are ongoing".