Managers at city hall are urging Saint John councillors to stand firm against attempts by the construction industry to change the way city contracts are tendered.
The Construction Association of New Brunswick is lobbying councillors to make public the list of companies the pick up the tender documents they need to bid on paving, water and sewer work and other projects.
“Staff is of the firm belief that by providing more transparency around who is competing on a particular contract we are decreasing the level of competition, and therefore [there is] very high probability that the costs overall are going to increase,” said city manager Jeff Trail.
The city stopped releasing the lists in 2003 amid concerns contractors were colluding to drive up prices.
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