Montreal faces a wave of lawsuits following a significant water main rupture last summer, which has already cost Télé-Québec $4 million. Multiple legal actions allege the City’s negligence in maintaining the pipe and conducting inspections. Among the claims is a $2.4 million lawsuit from McGill University for damage to architectural models. As the claim deadline approaches, the number of lawsuits has surpassed ten, totaling over $8.5 million, with the City rejecting all previous claims.
Montreal’s Water Main Incident: A Legal Tsunami
The recent rupture of a water main that led to a spectacular geyser in Montreal last summer is proving to be a costly affair for the city, with a surge of lawsuits emerging as the claim filing deadline nears.
Reports indicate that the aqueduct break has already set Télé-Québec back by $4 million, and repair work on René-Lévesque Boulevard continues while the road remains closed to vehicles, although cyclists can still pass through. Contractors affected by the geyser are also expressing their frustration as they await assistance from local authorities.
Legal Actions Unfolding
A lawsuit filed this week at the Montreal courthouse claims that the City was aware, or should have been aware, of the faulty design or outdated condition of the pipe, yet failed to take any corrective measures. Another lawsuit highlights the city’s negligence in conducting proper inspections, criticizing its “carelessness and inability” that ultimately led to the incident on August 16, 2024.
The disaster occurred when an 84-inch drinking water pipe beneath René-Lévesque Boulevard, close to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, burst, unleashing tens of thousands of liters of water in an unexpected eruption.
Expert analysis from Desjardins General Insurance indicates that the “catastrophic rupture” stemmed from “significant degradation” of the pipe. The lawsuit also points to the poor installation of a concrete sanitary sewer pipe directly above the aqueduct and the excessive use of de-icing salts on the road as contributing factors.
One condominium owners’ association has filed a $54,000 lawsuit, claiming that the City has either refused or neglected to reimburse them for damages, citing ongoing investigations but a refusal to accept any responsibility.
In recent weeks, reports have uncovered around ten civil lawsuits totaling over $8.5 million related to this incident, and this amount is expected to rise as the filing deadline approaches. The City has reportedly rejected all 350 claims it received last month, which only adds to the mounting pressure.
Among the notable claims is one from McGill University seeking $2.4 million for damage to architectural models by esteemed architect Moshe Safdie that were stored in the affected vicinity. An insurance company is also pursuing over $400,000 for damages to a music studio, while another firm involved in firearm storage for film productions has filed for $694,000 in damages.
One court document states, “It has been established that the City of Montreal has shown gross negligence […] which can be considered bad faith.” Additionally, several individuals have lodged smaller claims to recover insurance deductibles and legal consultation fees.
Unless settlements are reached, these lawsuits will not only take up valuable court time but also incur significant legal expenses for the City. In response to these developments, a City spokesperson acknowledged the impact felt by residents and businesses, but emphasized that due to the legal nature of the situation, no further comments would be made.