George Weston Limited, the parent company of Shoppers Drug Mart, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Thompson, alleging negligence in the city’s fire department’s response to a 2023 blaze that destroyed a drugstore. The lawsuit, filed last Thursday with Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, claims Thompson Fire and Emergency Services acted recklessly, leading to extensive damage.
On March 9, 2023, firefighters responded twice to a fire at Shoppers Drug Mart in Burntwood Plaza. Crews first arrived around 1:50 a.m. but left before the fire reignited at 5 a.m., spreading to adjoining businesses and forcing several to relocate. The lawsuit argues the fire department failed to fully extinguish the initial fire, conduct a proper fire watch, or adequately monitor the situation, resulting in a total loss of the store.
George Weston Limited alleges the city breached its duty of care and is seeking compensation for unspecified damages and expenses. The City of Thompson has declined to comment as the case is before the court. None of the allegations have been tested in court, and no statements of defence have been filed.
Source: Swifteradio.com
