What is social procurement?
When the City of Wrenford buys goods, services, or construction work, we look at more than just price and quality. We also consider the social impact of our purchases. Social procurement means we choose suppliers who help our community thrive. This could mean hiring locally, supporting equity-seeking groups, paying fair wages, or making sure our contracts meet accessibility standards.
Core requirements for all bidders
If you bid on a City contract, you must show how your work will benefit residents. We look for clear plans in these areas:
- Local hiring: We prefer contractors who hire workers from Wrenford or the surrounding Tamsin Valley region. You must list the number of local workers you plan to employ and where you will advertise the job openings.
- Equity-seeking groups: We encourage bids that include employment, training, or contracting opportunities for women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
- Living wage: All workers on City projects must be paid at least the Wrenford Living Wage, which is updated each year by the Southwestern Ontario Social Planning Council. You must confirm this pay rate in your bid.
- Health and safety: You must follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act and provide a safe workplace for all staff and subcontractors.
How we score social value in bids
For projects over $50,000, we use a combined evaluation model. Price and technical quality make up 70 per cent of the score. Social value makes up the remaining 30 per cent. We score your bid on:
| Criteria | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Local hiring and training plans | 10 |
| Support for equity-seeking and underrepresented businesses | 8 |
| Living wage compliance and worker benefits | 7 |
| Accessibility and inclusive design in deliverables | 5 |
Living wage and fair employment standards
The City of Wrenford is committed to fair pay. You must pay all workers on City projects at least the Wrenford Living Wage. As of 2026, this rate is $22.50 per hour. We do not accept bids that propose minimum wage unless a formal exemption is granted for specific apprentice programs. You must also provide reasonable paid leave and safe working conditions that meet or exceed provincial standards.
Supporting local and diverse suppliers
Small businesses and equity-seeking groups often face barriers when bidding on public contracts. The City helps level the playing field by:
- Splitting large projects into smaller lots so more bidders can compete.
- Offering pre-bid workshops to help first-time suppliers prepare their documents.
- Providing mentorship links through the Wrenford Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Association.
You can also join the Wrenford Indigenous Procurement Framework to access dedicated training and direct bidding opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses.
Accessibility in contract deliverables
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), all goods and services purchased by the City must be accessible. If your project involves building design, software, documents, or public events, you must follow Wrenford's accessibility standards. This includes providing content in plain language, using proper contrast ratios, ensuring physical spaces are navigable, and allowing assistive technologies to work smoothly. Our Accessibility Coordinator reviews all major deliverables before final payment.
Who to contact
If you have questions about social procurement requirements or need help preparing a bid, reach out to the Purchasing Manager. You can email [email protected], call 519-555-0100, or visit the Procurement Office at Room 205, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1. We host free supplier information sessions every quarter to walk you through the process.