Edmonton Man Faces $5,000 Car Damage After City Denies Claim

URGENT UPDATE: A devastating incident in Edmonton has left a local man grappling with significant car repair costs after the city denied his claim for damage caused by a fallen tree branch. On June 6, 2023, Randy Boucher parked his Subaru beneath a tree outside his apartment complex on the corner of 47 Avenue and 118 Avenue. The next morning, he discovered the branch had not only scratched the paint but had also shifted the trunk and broken the tail light, leading to an estimated repair cost of $5,000.

Boucher’s ordeal began late that night, when a storm resulted in the branch crashing onto his vehicle. Despite being able to cover the $1,000 deductible with his insurance, he felt compelled to seek coverage from the city, fearing this denial of liability could set a troubling precedent for others in Edmonton.

“I submitted a 311 claim immediately, but the city denied my request, citing a storm that may have damaged the tree in late May,” Boucher recounted. Frustrated, he appealed the decision, questioning the city’s tree inspection protocols. “If this storm was over eight days ago, why didn’t you come back and look at the trees?”

The city maintained that its earlier assessment on April 23 showed the tree was healthy and that they were not liable for unforeseen damages resulting from severe weather conditions. In an official statement, the city asserted, “Every claim for coverage is thoroughly investigated. Submission of a claim does not guarantee compensation,” emphasizing their process for evaluating potential hazards.

Boucher is now left with no choice but to absorb the repair costs while waiting for his insurance to sort out potential compensation with the city. “They said I could pursue it later, but I decided to tackle it myself first,” he explained. Despite the financial burden, Boucher is more concerned about the implications of the city’s decision for other residents facing similar situations.

“If this is how they’re going to treat one incident, what’s the point of even going to them for any problems?” he lamented.

As the city continues to deny liability, Boucher’s experience raises critical questions about the city’s responsibility in managing public safety and property damage. Residents are left wondering about the adequacy of city inspections and the effectiveness of their claims process, particularly in light of Edmonton’s unpredictable weather patterns.

This developing story highlights the urgent need for clarity in municipal liability and the potential impact on community trust. As Boucher navigates the aftermath of this incident, local residents are urged to stay informed and consider their options when faced with similar challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding situation.