Goderich council will re-tender the Downtown Infrastructure project, after concerns were raised regarding its process of only contracting "pre-qualified" construction companies.
At a special meeting on Monday, council heard from lawyer Greg Stewart, who said the town had received four letters objecting to the prequalification process, saying it did not comply with the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).
The town approached several contractors, provided them with tender documents, and asked them to submit bids.
Stewart said if the town had proceeded with that process, it could have left it in a vulnerable legal position.
"The process that was followed, going out and soliciting certain bidders, did not comply with the requirements of that agreement," he told council. "Having done that, if the process were challenged, you would not likely be successful on the challenge because it didn't comply with the act."
The CFTA required the town to publish a notice inviting interested suppliers to apply to be included on a prequalification list. However, Stewart said the process was stopped in time, as the town never opened the bids that were already submitted.
Goderich began an open tendering process this week, following the special council meeting. The tender will be open for 30 days, with a deadline to apply of April 4 at 2 p.m.
Bidders will be required to shall submit the information needed in the contractor evaluation section. The town also noted the lowest price bid will not necessarily be awarded.
For more information, visit the Goderich website.