The City of Fort Saskatchewan maintains a risk management program to ensure the protection of all residents against loss or damage caused by negligence of the City of Fort Saskatchewan or its employees.
If you have incurred costs for which you believe the City of Fort Saskatchewan may be responsible, you may submit a claim for reimbursement. To ensure that your claim is received and processed with diligence and fairness, please see Frequently asked Questions below for further information and instructions.
Note that payment in respect of any damages is dependent upon the City of Fort Saskatchewan being found legally liable. We suggest that you contact your insurance company or broker to assist you with this matter. You may be eligible for greater compensation through your own insurance than you can legally recover from the City of Fort Saskatchewan or other party, such as a contractor. Your insurance company will seek recovery from the City of Fort Saskatchewan if they feel it is justified.
The City of Fort Saskatchewan may provide compensation when it is found legally liable for the damage sustained. This approach helps to reduce costs for the taxpaying public, who ultimately bear the cost of these claims.
Download a Notice of Claim Form
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Claim Submission Procedure
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- Download a Notice of Claim form and complete as directed, attaching all relevant information, estimates, and photos, if applicable.
Claim forms can also be obtained by emailing insurance@fortsask.ca or by calling 780-992-6255.
- Send in the claim form by fax, email, mail or delivery to:
City of Fort Saskatchewan
Legislative Services
10005 – 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, T8L 2C5
Email: insurance@fortsask.ca
Fax: 780-998-4774
- The Legislative Services department will then contact the appropriate service department and conduct an investigation of the claim to determine whether the City was negligent and whether liability for the damage might lie with the City of Fort Saskatchewan.
- A response will be provided to you within 30 days of receipt of your claim, advising of the decision and / or next steps, if applicable.
- You may also be contacted by a claims adjuster appointed by the City's Insurance Company, depending on the nature and extent of your claim.
PLEASE NOTE: The City of Fort Saskatchewan does not accept liability for any damage until the circumstances have been investigated and liability determined. Any such determination of liability will be subject to the provisions of the Municipal Government Act of Alberta.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I claim compensation from the City of Fort Saskatchewan?
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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.
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How long do I have to submit my claim?
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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.
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How is my claim evaluated/resolved?
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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
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When can I expect a response?
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A written or email response will be provided to you within 30 days of receipt of a properly completed claim package at City Hall.
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What if a City tree falls on my property?
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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.
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What if I receive damage to my property due to a sewer backup or water main break?
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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.
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