rfmcdonald | [URBAN NOTE] "Brampton facing fourth lawsuit over $500 million development deal" (Reply)

The Toronto Star's San Grewal reports on the latest lawsuit against Brampton's municipal government. This suburban Toronto city seems like it's in a terrible mess.

With a web of legal action already surrounding Brampton’s controversial $500-million downtown redevelopment plan, a fourth lawsuit has been filed against the city over the project, this time by a group of residents.

Two families whose properties are adjacent to a recently finished city hall expansion that is the only part of the redevelopment project that has moved forward, are suing the city, as well as the builder, Dominus, and the building’s current owner, Fengate LP, for $2,250,000.

Members of the Meisner family and the Sproule family are seeking $2,000,000 million in damages for trespassing and nuisance, $150,000 for breach of contract and $100,000 for punitive damages. The statement of claim, filed earlier this year, alleges that landscaping and fencing on the plaintiffs’ properties that was supposed to have been replaced after it was damaged or moved during construction has not been dealt with. The lawsuit also claims loss of value to the properties.

When contacted by the Star, Dominus referred to a joint statement of defence for all the defendants in the case, which says they did not trespass and “always had permission” when entering the plaintiff’s property. The statement of defence also denies there has been a loss of property values as a result of the construction project.

Fengate said it cannot comment as the matter is before the court. The city said it is aware of the matter and “is taking appropriate measures to facilitate a resolution.”