North Glengarry Council awarded the 2026 liquid dust suppressant contract to Da-Lee Dust Control on Monday, April 13, for a total of $274,177.50 plus HST. The contract covers the supply and placement of the product on gravel roads across the township. The contract is approximately $46,322.50 over the original budget.

The contract is part of a multi-municipal procurement arrangement involving the six municipalities within Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) Counties. The product is used to reduce dust, improve road conditions, and extend surface life during the summer maintenance season.

Rather than each municipality issuing its own tender, they combine their needs into one shared contract to increase purchasing volume and secure more competitive pricing. A single supplier is awarded the contract, and each municipality pays for the work completed within its own boundaries under the same contract terms.

According to Director of Public Works Timothy Wright, the tender process this year drew only one bid, which he described as an unusual and unfavourable result compared with previous years.

“This was a disappointing tender result. We normally have two companies that bid, but we received only one this time around,” Wright said. “Normally, it’s a multi-year contract done throughout the six municipalities to figure out procurement and get some good pricing. This year, the pricing is very bad.”

Wright noted the product currently in use is a calcium chloride-based suppressant, though other products could be considered in the future. However, he said any change would require time for the six participating municipalities to review alternatives and agree on specifications.

“We don’t think there are other suppliers who are going to be able to do it within the specification and within the time limit we have,” Wright said.

He added that the township plans to revisit the tender process next year, with the possibility of expanding it to include additional products, pending agreement among the participating municipalities.

“We will bring the tender back next year and expand it to other products if there is consensus throughout the municipalities. For now, it is recommended to award the contract for this year due to some other capital items coming under budget; the budget will balance out either way. We will aim to apply it less than we normally do as well,” Wright said.