Highrise Owner Seeks $25M After 2023 Stradbrook Blaze

UPDATE: A major legal battle is unfolding as the owner of a highrise apartment block on Stradbrook Avenue seeks $25 million in damages following a devastating fire that occurred on August 17, 2023. The blaze, attributed to a contractor’s extension cord, displaced 200 residents and has now led to lawsuits filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench.

The fire broke out around 7 p.m. at the 18-storey, 146-unit building located at 221 Stradbrook Ave.. According to court documents, the fire began on the roof where contractors were working for Rogers Communications, which had leased rooftop space for equipment installation. The lawsuit claims that the contractors improperly handled equipment, including batteries, while using an extension cord that was poorly secured, leading to high electrical resistance and ultimately triggering the fire.

Firefighters from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded with 16 to 18 units, battling the flames that not only destroyed the roof but also compromised the building’s water-protection system. Subsequent rainfall exacerbated the damage, leaving the structure uninhabitable.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Rogers acknowledged the challenges faced by the affected residents but noted that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The company is preparing to file a formal defense against the allegations.

Adding to the legal turmoil, a second lawsuit has been filed by former tenants, seeking unspecified damages from both the contractors and Rogers. They allege that the fire was caused by improperly installed electrical equipment and that the extension cord was not adequately inspected, leading to an electrical arc that ignited the blaze.

Tenant claims highlight the extensive personal losses incurred, including thousands of dollars in damages, insurance deductibles, and emergency living costs after being forced from their homes.

The situation remains dire for those affected, as firefighters worked tirelessly to evacuate both residents and their pets during the chaotic scene. One firefighter and a tenant were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but thankfully, no other injuries were reported.

As investigations continue, the implications of this incident pose significant questions regarding contractor responsibility and safety standards in construction. With apartments now available for rent again in the complex, many are left wondering what protections are being put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the legal proceedings unfold and the impact on the community deepens.