Claims for Damage or Injury
Can I claim compensation?
The City of St. Albert will only compensate for damages when it is legally liable for the damage sustained, as stipulated in the Municipal Government Act of Alberta.
We recommend contacting your insurance company or broker in all property damage cases. Depending on the type of property damaged and the insurance policy you purchased, you may be eligible for greater compensation than you could recover through the City. If your insurance provider believes the City is responsible for your damage, they will pursue recovery after settling your claim.
If you believe you can demonstrate the City is responsible, you may submit a claim for review. When submitting claims, the Claim Submission Procedure must be followed for your claim to be considered.
If it is determined your loss falls within the jurisdiction of a contract, your claim must be submitted to the contractor for an investigation and response. All contractors must carry liability insurance and respond to damage claims resulting from their operations.
How long do I have to submit my claim?
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.
How is my claim handled?
An investigation into the incident will be conducted for each claim received, and appropriate service departments will be consulted. Considerations in claim evaluation may include:
- Circumstances of the claim or alleged loss
- Whether the City or their employees were negligent
- Any applicable laws
Depending on the circumstances of your loss, your claim may be sent to the City’s insurer, who may assign the claim to an outside adjuster or legal counsel for further handling. Possible resolutions to claims may include:
- Referral to the responsible party or entity (i.e. contractor or sub-contractor)
- Denial where there is no evidence of City negligence
- A negotiated settlement or reimbursement of your damages
How do I submit a claim?
If you require assistance to fill out a claim, would like a claim form mailed to you, or have filed a claim and have questions about the investigation or status of the claim, please call Strategic Services (Insurance & Claims) at 780-418-6003 (Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.).
Note: It is important that you make efforts to minimize damage to your property. You may be held responsible for part of the damage cost if you do not.
When can I expect a response?
Your claim will be acknowledged within 14 days of its receipt at the City. Please note that depending on the nature of the claim and the completeness of the information provided, the resolution time will vary by maybe 30 days or longer. The City will ensure proactive communication to keep you up to date on the status of your claim.
When damage to City property is caused by a third party, Strategic Services (Insurance & Claims) seeks recovery of the related costs from the responsible party (e.g., for damage to property such as traffic lights, trees, signs, and hydrants).
Other frequently asked questions
My vehicle was damaged driving through a pothole. What should I do?
Do not continue to drive your vehicle if it is not operating properly. Have a licensed automobile mechanic inspect the damage. If you believe the damage will exceed your automobile insurance deductible, contact your insurance representative for assistance.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes through the online issue reporting function or by calling the City’s hotline at 780-418-6066.
* Please be aware that the City of St. Albert will only consider reimbursement of these claims if the City knew or should have known of the disrepair and did not repair the road or place hazard signage in a timely fashion after being advised of the issue.
There is a water meter leak or water line break affecting my property. What should I do?
Water mains run underneath the roadway and supply fresh water to the private services connected to it. The private service brings water from the water main to your building and is the owner's responsibility.
If there is water gushing out on the street, a water main or water pipe has probably broken on the street. Please contact the Public Works Department immediately.
| Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 780-459-1557 |
| After Hours Emergency | 780-458-2020 |
My sewer is backing up. What should I do?
If you think you are experiencing a sewer backup, please contact the Public Works Department.
| Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 780-459-1557 |
| After Hours Emergency | 780-458-2020 |
An operator will be notified of your service request and will contact you for more details before responding.
For more information on sewer backups and what you should know about your sewer service line and system, view our Sewer Issues section
Should I call my insurance company?
Yes. Many insurance policies cover cleanup and the cost of repairing or replacing water-damaged property. Also, they may suggest methods to minimize the extent of your damage. Your insurance representative can provide full details.
Note: Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for more compensation from your insurer than you can recover from the City. If your insurer believes the City is liable it will deal with the City on your behalf.
What if I think the damage is the City’s fault?
If you want to claim directly against the City, please complete your online submission.
Pictures and other documentation can be included with your submission or can be submitted separately. When the claim is reported, an investigation of the location and details provided will be handled by a Strategic Services (Insurance & Claims) representative. Based on the findings of this investigation, you will be compensated if the investigation confirms the City is legally liable for the damage.
Will the City pay my costs?
The City of St. Albert only pays claims when all evidence indicates that the City would be found liable in a court of law. In many cases, the City is protected from liability by legislation or by adherence to policy. This approach minimizes costs for taxpayers, who ultimately bear the cost of claims.
We recommend that everyone whose property or vehicle is damaged contact their insurance representative to report damage promptly; this is a requirement of your insurance policy.
How can I report hazards?
Tell us if you see a hazard. ‘Hazards’ are such things as potholes, heaved or cracked sidewalks, fallen tree branches, unlit traffic lights, damaged street signs, etc.
Call 780-459-1557
Please describe the location of the hazard and provide as many details as possible. For example:
- name of the street, sidewalk or park
- nearest building number, or
- name of the nearest cross-street or area in the park
You can also report hazards on the City website. We appreciate your interest in helping us keep our city safe - and making it a great place to live.
What steps can I take if I disagree with claims decision?
If you have additional information to support your case, you may submit it for further review. If there is no new supporting information, legal action through the courts is the final option. The Mayor and/or Council members do not handle appeals on claims.
Related Pages
Last edited: November 8, 2024