Judge endorses $10-million settlement in Elliot Lake mall collapse class-action lawsuit

A Toronto judge has endorsed a $10-million settlement in a class-action lawsuit stemming from the 2012 collapse of the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, Ontario. The collapse, which killed two women, was attributed to decades of water damage and corrosion caused by a faulty waterproofing system. Nine defendants, including the City of Elliot Lake, Algoma Central Properties, and Eastwood Mall Inc., will contribute to the settlement, though none admit liability.

The funds, approximately $6 million, will compensate around 300 claimants for injuries, lost businesses, and income, with payouts ranging from $750 for minor injuries to $60,000 for severe orthopedic or psychiatric issues. While welcomed by survivors like Heather Richer, who witnessed the tragedy and lost her diner, the settlement is seen as incomplete without accountability for those responsible for the mall’s neglect.

The Algo Centre Mall, once the heart of Elliot Lake, had been plagued by leaks since its opening in 1980, with warnings about structural issues repeatedly ignored. The collapse deeply impacted the community, particularly its large senior population, and continues to haunt survivors who grapple with PTSD and lasting trauma. Many, like Richer, are now seeking a fresh start, but emphasize that true closure requires those responsible to be held accountable.

(Source：Google News)