Rimouski Mayor Guy Caron defended the city's integrity on Monday after municipal officials awarded a multisport stadium contract to Honco-LFG [1].

The decision has sparked public backlash because the chosen bid was $1.2 million higher than the second-lowest local offer [1]. This controversy arrives as the total projected cost for the stadium complex has risen from $25 million to $28 million [2].

Caron held a press briefing to clarify the contract award process and address a growing volume of criticism on social media [1]. He said the municipality acted with integrity throughout the selection process. The mayor described the current online climate as toxic — a sentiment that has prompted the city to reaffirm its commitment to transparency.

While the city maintains the selection was based on merit and specific requirements, the $3 million increase in the overall project budget has drawn scrutiny [2]. The gap between the winning bid and the next local option remains a central point of contention for residents and critics of the project [1].

Caron said the briefing was necessary to counter misinformation and ensure the public understands how the municipal council reached its decision [1]. The administration intends to move forward with the project despite the financial friction and social media hostility [1].

“The chosen bid was $1.2 million higher than the second-lowest local offer.”

The situation in Rimouski highlights the tension between municipal procurement rules and public expectations of fiscal conservatism. When a city bypasses a lower-cost local bid in favor of a more expensive option, it often triggers transparency concerns, especially when the total project budget has already seen a 12 percent increase.