As It Happens

Winnipeg man blames city trees for the slow collapse of his house

Greg McVicker wants the City of Winnipeg to end what he calls a 'nightmare'. His house is collapsing and he's blaming a number of mature trees owned by the city that he says are damaging his foundation.  He wants the city to pay for the extensive damage done to his home....

Greg McVicker wants the City of Winnipeg to end what he calls a 'nightmare'. His house is collapsing and he's blaming a number of mature trees owned by the city that he says are damaging his foundation.  He wants the city to pay for the extensive damage done to his home.

Mr. Vickers says that independent engineers have told him that the roots have undermined the entire foundation of the duplex he lives in with his two children.

The city is still reviewing reports, as Mr. McVicker sends photos and measurements detailing the worsening damage. His insurance company will not pay for repairs, because of the reports that the damage is due to city trees.

As It Happens called the City of Winnipeg, and received a written response, explaining that:

"...claims investigations are a legal process and as such are subject to confidentiality..." and "claim investigations are complex and time frames vary significantly."

The city does say there have been a total of four other similar claims reported in the past ten years.

Listen to what Greg McVicker calls his 'daily nightmare'.