Filing a Property Damage Claim
A written notice must be sent to the City as soon as possible to make a claim against the City of Prince George (no later than 60 days after the date of loss).
The City will not be held responsible for costs unless evidence can be provided that the City committed a negligent act or omission which resulted in injury or damage. The City of Prince George only compensates when it is legally liable for damage sustained.
Circumstances of how a property became damaged will determine if there is any liability on the City's part and each scenario will be reviewed individually. If there is evidence the City is responsible, by either an act or omission on its behalf, then consideration may be given to a claim.
NOTE: Repairs and cleanup are the property owner's responsibility.
If the loss is covered by insurance, the claimant can deal directly with the insurance company. The company may then, in turn, pursue any party - including the City - believed to be responsible. This is the quickest way to recover costs, and to have repairs and cleanup completed.
Required Information
Information describing what was damaged, how it happened, and the date and time of the occurrence must be provided. Photographs may be included with the original claim or provided at a later date. Be sure to identify all parties involved and include a name, home address, telephone number, and email address.
Report claims to:
City of Prince George
Attention: Manager, Risk and Procurement Division
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
Phone: 250-561-7600
Email: ray.borgia@princegeorge.ca
Legal Notices of Claim may be addressed to:
City of Prince George
Attention: Corporate Officer
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Water Service
A water service is an underground pipe that brings water from the water service box shut-off valve to a building. The water main normally runs underneath roadways and provides water to properties. Property owners are responsible for the section of pipe from a building to the shut-off valve at the property line while the City is responsible for the section of pipe between the shut-off valve and water main.
Sewer Service
The sewer service from a house to the sewer main is the section of underground pipe between a building and the City's sewer main. Property owners are responsible for cleaning the sewer service. The City is only responsible for maintaining the sewer main line. Most sewer backups happen because the sewer service is plugged. Blockages may be caused by roots, grease, fishing line, clippings from shrubs, rocks and other debris, or a broken service. The City will repair damages to the portion of sewer service that runs from the property line to the sewer main line.
Potholes and Road Hazards
Do not continue to drive a vehicle if it is not operating properly after driving into a pothole. See a licensed motor vehicle mechanic, contact the insurance company to make a claim, and notify the City of the exact location of the pothole or road hazard. The City does not generally pay for damages a vehicle when it is driven into a pothole.
Construction Projects
If a property has been damaged as a direct result of construction activity, write down the details of how and when the damage occurred. Be sure to include the date, time, location, vehicle or equipment number/license plate. If possible, identify the company and take photos. Notify the insurer and contact the City in writing to report the damage.
Local Government Act
The Local Government Act states:
"A municipality, council, regional district, board or improvement district, or a greater board, is not liable in any action based on nuisance, or on the rule in the Rylands vs. Fletcher case if the damages arise, directly or indirectly, out of the breakdown or malfunction of:
a) a sewer system;
b) water or drainage facility or system, or;
c) dike or a road.
NOTE: There are strict time limitations under the Local Government Act for claims to be submitted.
The
Local Government Act – Subsection 736(1) states:
"A municipality is in no case liable for damages unless notice in writing, setting out the time, place, and manner in which the damage has been sustained, is delivered to the municipal clerk within two months from the date on which the damage was sustained."