Sault engineering firm on hook for $730K in Elliot Lake mall collapse settlement

A proposed class-action settlement has been reached regarding the 2012 Algo Centre Mall collapse in Elliot Lake, Ontario, which killed two women and triggered a major investigation. Robert Wood, a Sault Ste. Marie engineer who deemed the mall structurally sound shortly before the collapse, along with his former colleague Gregory Saunders and their firm M.R. Wright & Associates, will contribute $730,000 to the $10-million settlement. Algoma Central Corporation, the original builder and long-time owner of the mall, will contribute $2 million.

The lawsuit alleges negligence by multiple parties, including owners, inspectors, and the provincial labour ministry. While no defendant admits liability, the settlement aims to compensate injured shoppers, business owners, and employees. The settlement funds will be distributed after legal fees and administrative costs are deducted, leaving approximately $6.5 to $7 million for class members.

A public inquiry concluded the collapse was due to long-term corrosion caused by a flawed design and inadequate waterproofing, exacerbated by human failures in inspection and oversight. Wood’s assessments were criticized as superficial, and he had lost his engineering license prior to the final inspection, relying on a colleague to sign off on his work despite that colleague not visiting the site.

(Source：SooToday)