‘Very long journey’: Settlement approved in $10M mall collapse lawsuit

A judge has approved a $10 million class-action settlement for those impacted by the 2012 Algo Centre Mall collapse in Elliot Lake, Ontario, which killed two women and injured nineteen others. The settlement, reached after nearly 14 years of legal battles, will provide financial compensation to approximately 300 individuals, including shoppers, business owners, and workers. However, after legal fees, administrative costs, and other expenses—totaling close to $3 million for lawyers alone—the amount available for distribution will be approximately $6 million.

The lawsuit alleged negligence by numerous parties involved with the mall, including owners, building inspectors, and an engineering firm that had deemed the structure “structurally sound” just months before the collapse. While no defendants are admitting liability, the settlement includes contributions from the City of Elliot Lake, Algoma Central Properties, Eastwood Mall Inc., Retirement Living, M.R. Wright and Associates, the province of Ontario, Coreslab Structures, and James Keywan.

Lead plaintiffs Jack and Elaine Quinte, who owned a restaurant in the mall and were directly affected by the collapse, expressed relief at the nearing end of the legal process. The judge acknowledged the tragedy and stated the settlement aims to provide “fairness and closure” to those involved. A public inquiry previously determined the collapse was caused by long-term corrosion due to a flawed design and waterproofing system, attributing the disaster to “human, not material, failure.”

(Source：BayToday)