Property Damage

To make a claim, first read and follow the instructions in Making a Claim then fill out the Property Damage Claims Form.

The submitted information provides the District with important details about your claim. The information should describe the details of the occurrence including date and time, location and nature of the damage sustained. Further detail any other information that may be relevant. Remember to include your name, home address, telephone number and email address.

Once the Finance Department receives your claim details, an investigation will be undertaken. When all of the information has been reviewed, a decision will be made and you will be advised as quickly as possible.

Important:

A claim against the District for damages must be made in writing to the Finance Department in accordance with the Local Government Act, Part 18-Legal Proceedings, Section 736 which stated, in part, "A municipality is in no case liable for damages unless notice in writing, setting out the time, place, and manner in which the damage has been sustained, is delivered to the municipality within two months from the date on which the damage was sustained.

As per section 744 of the Local Government Act, a municipality is not liable in any action based on nuisance or on the rule in the Rylands v. Fletcher case if the damages arise, directly or indirectly, out of the breakdown or malfunction of a:

• Sewer System
• Water or Drainage Facility
• Dike or Road

The District does not provide insurance or claims coverage for vehicle damage caused by potholes, in accordance with Section 744 of the Local Government Act.

I have damaged my vehicle in a pothole. What should I do first? Should I call the District? Do not continue to drive your vehicle if it is unsafe to do so. We recommend notifying the District of the existence of the pothole or road hazard, to ensure this hazard can be fixed in a timely manner. Should I call my insurance company? Yes. Your vehicle insurance policy may provide coverage for this type of loss. Your insurance company or broker can assist you with this process.

My property has been damaged as a result of District construction activity. What should I do?

Record the details of how and when the damage occurred; include the date, time and location and cause of the damage. If possible identify the company and equipment operating at the time.

Should I call my insurance company?

Yes. Your insurance policy may provide coverage for your damages. If so, your insurance company can pursue any party they believe to be responsible for the damages.

What should I do with my damaged property?

If possible, document your damages with photographs, original invoices and bills of sale. Keep any damaged property available for inspection at a later time.

Should I notify the District about my damage?

If you wish to make a claim against the District for property damage, follow the procedures outlined in the Making a Claim. Each claim will be examined and judged on its individual circumstances.

What is the District sanitary sewer system?

The District sewer runs underneath the municipal road or right of way, collecting waste discharged f rom sewer laterals and transporting it to the wastewater treatment plant. 

What is the sanitary sewer lateral?

The sewer lateral is the length of sewer pipe that connects the plumbing from a home or business to the District's sanitary sewer system. 

What is the building sanitary sewer?

The building sewer is the portion of the sewer lateral located on your property between the home/business building and the property line. Maintenance of the building sewer is the responsibility of the property owner.

What is the sanitary sewer service connection?
The sanitary sewer service connection is the portion of the lateral located between the property line and the District sewer. 

What causes a sewer back-up?
Most sewer back-ups happen because the sewer lateral is plugged, broken or requires maintenance. 

If my sewer backs up what should I do to protect my property?

Immediately contact the District Hall at 604-796-2235 during normal business hours, or call the emergency after hours number at 1-866-951-3718 at all other times. If the cause of the back-up is on your property, then you may need to engage the services of a sewer contractor. If possible, protect your property from further damage and be aware of any potential electrical hazards. Should you choose to move any damaged property from the affected area, keep it available for inspection at a later time.

What is a watermain?

Watermains run underneath the municipal road or right of way and supply potable water to the connected property services.

What is a private service?

A private service conveys water from the property line to your home/building. Maintenance of the service is the responsibility of the property owner. 

My property is flooded due to a watermain break. What should I do?

Immediately contact the District Hall at 604-796-2235 during normal business hours, or call the emergency after hours number at 1-866-951-3718 at all other times. If possible, protect
your property from further damage. Be aware of electrical hazards. Should you choose to move any
damaged property from the affected area, keep it available for inspection at a later time. 

Should I call my insurance company?
Yes. Many insurance policies cover flooding from the break of a public watermain. This is the quickest way to recover costs and have repairs made. Your insurance company can pursue any party they believe to be liable for the damages.

Should I notify the District about my damages?
If you wish to make a claim to the District for property damage, please submit a Property Damage Claims Form, providing all relevant information.