Shoppers Drug Mart owner files lawsuit against City of Thompson over 2023 fire
George Weston Limited calls fire department's actions ‘reckless and inexplicable’
The company that owns Shoppers Drug Mart is suing the City of Thompson over what the company says was a "reckless and inexplicable" response by the city's fire department to a 2023 blaze that destroyed a drugstore in the northern Manitoba city.
The lawsuit, filed with Manitoba Court of King's Bench by George Weston Limited last Thursday, claims the municipality's negligence is to blame for damages incurred during the blaze.
On March 9, 2023, Thompson Fire and Emergency Services responded twice to a fire at the Shoppers Drug Mart in the Burntwood Plaza, a strip mall on Selkirk Avenue.
Crews were first called around 1:50 a.m. that day and again at 5 a.m. following a reignition after firefighters left the scene — referred to as the "first fire" and "second fire" in the lawsuit.
The drugstore was expected to be a total loss, RCMP told CBC News at the time. The second fire also spread to several adjoining storefronts, forcing half a dozen businesses in the plaza to relocate.
WATCH | March 9, 2023, of the fire in Thompson:
Among other claims, George Weston Limited alleges the fire service failed to take steps to ensure the first fire was extinguished with no possibility of rekindling before leaving the scene; failed to institute a reasonable, adequate fire watch; and failed to properly monitor the status of the fires.
"The actions of [Thompson Fire and Emergency Services] permitted the second fire to spread extensively, causing or contributing to the plaintiff's losses," the company claims in its lawsuit, alleging the service's actions led to the "total loss" of the store.
The lawsuit claims the city breached its duty of care, and as a result the company is entitled to be compensated for unspecified loss, damages and expenses related to the fire.
None of the allegations in the lawsuit have been tested in court. No statements of defence have been filed.
The City of Thompson said Tuesday it has no comment on the lawsuit as the matter is before the court.
CBC Manitoba has also reached out to George Weston Ltd. for comment.
With files from Susan Magas