Shoppers Drug Mart owner files lawsuit against City of Thompson over 2023 fire

CBC News

· Posted: Mar 11, 2025 5:34 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 minutes ago

The institution that owns Shoppers Drug Mart is suing the City of Thompson implicit what the institution says was a "reckless and inexplicable" effect by the city's occurrence section to a 2023 blaze that destroyed a drugstore successful the bluish Manitoba city.

The lawsuit, filed with Manitoba Court of King's Bench by George Weston Limited last Thursday, claims the municipality's negligence is to blasted for damages incurred during the blaze.

On March 9, 2023, Thompson Fire and Emergency Services responded doubly to a occurrence astatine the Shoppers Drug Mart successful the Burntwood Plaza, a portion promenade connected Selkirk Avenue. 

Crews were archetypal called astir 1:50 a.m. that day and again astatine 5 a.m. pursuing a reignition aft firefighters near the country — referred to arsenic the "first fire" and "second fire" successful the lawsuit. 

The drugstore was expected to beryllium a full loss, RCMP told CBC News astatine the time. The 2nd occurrence besides dispersed to respective adjoining storefronts, forcing fractional a twelve businesses successful the plaza to relocate.

WATCH | March 9, 2023, of the occurrence successful Thompson:

Among different claims, George Weston Limited alleges the occurrence work failed to instrumentality steps to guarantee the archetypal occurrence was extinguished with nary anticipation of rekindling earlier leaving the scene; failed to institute a reasonable, capable occurrence watch; and failed to decently show the presumption of the fires.

"The actions of [Thompson Fire and Emergency Services] permitted the 2nd occurrence to dispersed extensively, causing oregon contributing to the plaintiff's losses," the institution claims successful its lawsuit, alleging the service's actions led to the "total loss" of the store.

The suit claims the metropolis breached its work of care, and arsenic a effect the institution is entitled to beryllium compensated for unspecified loss, damages and expenses related to the fire. 

None of the allegations successful the suit person been tested successful court. No statements of defence person been filed.

The City of Thompson said Tuesday it has nary remark connected the suit arsenic the matter is earlier the court.

CBC Manitoba has besides reached retired to George Weston Ltd. for comment.