Risk Management

The City of Fort Saskatchewan will only compensate damages when it is found to be legally liable for the damage sustained, as stipulated in the Municipal Government Act of Alberta and other provincial legislation.

We suggest in all cases of property damage you contact your insurance company or broker. Depending on the type of property damaged and the insurance policy you purchased, you may be eligible for greater compensation than you could legally recover from the City of Fort Saskatchewan or a third party, such as a contractor. If your insurance provider believes the City or a contractor is responsible for your damage, they will pursue recovery on your behalf from any responsible parties after they have settled your claim.

If you have suffered damages to your property or injuries to your person and you believe you can demonstrate the City of Fort Saskatchewan is responsible, you may submit a claim for review. When submitting claims, the Claim Submission Procedure must be followed in order for your claim to be considered. You will receive a written or email response within 30 days of receipt of your properly completed claim package.

Limitation periods for claims against municipalities are governed by provincial law, and basic guidelines are as follows:

• Snow, slush and ice – 21 days
• Road repairs or non-repair – 30 days
• All other actions – 2 years

Legal counsel may be able to advise you of any exceptions to the above-noted time frames.

For each claim received, an investigation into the circumstances of the incident will be conducted and appropriate service departments consulted. Considerations in claim evaluation may include:

• Particular facts of the claim or alleged loss
• The applicable law
• Whether the City of Fort Saskatchewan has legal responsibility
• Whether the City of Fort Saskatchewan or their employees were negligent
• The claimant's role in the situation
• The nature and extent of damages claimed along with the supporting documentation

Depending on value or dollar amount of your claim, a claims adjuster and/or legal counsel may be appointed by the City of Fort Saskatchewan or their Insurers to handle the claim and all related communication. Please note that all injury claims will be handled by a claims adjuster regardless of value.

Possible resolutions to claims may include:

• Transferred to the responsible party or entity (i.e. contractor)
• Denial where there is no evidence of City negligence
• A negotiated settlement or reimbursement of your damages

A written or email response will be provided to you within 30 days of receipt of a properly completed claim package at City Hall.

If you see a tree down or any other dangerous situation involving City trees, contact the City's Public Works at 780-992-6248 after hours at 780-439-7574 or online using Fort Report.

Where damage to private property occurs as a result of a falling City tree or a branch falling from a City tree, and the incident was not readily foreseeable, it is considered to be an accident or an “act of God”. An “act of God” means an extraordinary occurrence or a circumstance that could not have been readily foreseen and which could not have been prevented. An example of an “act of God” is where damage occurs to private property during strong winds as a result of a tree being blown over or damaged by the intensity of the wind where the tree is considered to be sound and healthy.

In such cases, the City's Parks Services crews will remove the damaged tree or branches and clean up any tree debris. Owners of damaged property will be advised that they are responsible for the cost of repairs to their property and to make a claim against their insurance company for the property damage, if they are insured.

If a falling tree branch or tree has caused damage to a vehicle, fence, wall, roof or some other private building structure, and the claimant believes that they can demonstrate that the City has been negligent in its maintenance of the offending tree, the Claim Submission Procedure may be followed.

If there is flooding in your basement, contact the City's Public Works at 780-992-6248 after hours at 780-439-7574.

We recommend you contact your insurance company first regarding any damages. If your insurer believes the City is responsible for your damage, they will proceed with recovery as stipulated in your home or business insurance policy.

If you receive damage to your property and you believe it is the direct result of services provided by the City or negligent provision thereof, you may submit a claim following the Claim Submission Procedure.

*Please be advised The City of Fort Saskatchewan and/or its Insurers will only accept responsibility or provide compensation when it is legally liable for the damage sustained.