Montreal's auditor general says the city has been very bad at handling just about every infrastructure project it touches.
Jacques Bergeron says it's easy for anyone to spot examples of shoddy construction, but he says that is a direct result of poor planning and investment.
He also says that, despite reports from the Charbonneau Commission about contractors artificially inflating prices the city of Montreal does not devote enough of its budget to routine maintenance.
His report also says that these spending shortfalls will force taxpayers to fund more expensive repairs in the future.
Opposition councillors say it's evident Montrealers are not getting the accountability they need.
"For each dollar of prevention we save five dollars of... repairs," said Louise Harel, leader of Vision Montreal.
Councillor Veronique Fournier said it's another sign that the Tremblay Administration was spending money without any accountability.
"I think Montrealers, they want results for the money we're putting on it," said Fournier.
Following testimony from the Charbonneau commission that asphalt production throughout southern Quebec was run by a corrupt cartel that deliberately provided poor-quality materials Fournier and Harel promoted Vision Montreal's idea of having a city-owned asphalt plant.
St. Laurent borough mayor Alan DeSousa, formerly of Union Montreal, said asphalt should be left to the private sector.
"The city's side is to make sure that there's proper inspection and that we can buy good quality asphalt from the private sector," said DeSousa.
The AG's report was clear: the city has failed to properly oversee private construction.
