City of St. Thomas

City Compensation for your Costs

The City of St. Thomas will not be held responsible for your costs unless you can provide evidence that the City committed a negligent act or omission which resulted in injury or damage. The City of St. Thomas only compensates when it is legally liable for the damage sustained. This approach helps to reduce costs for the taxpaying public - who ultimately bear the cost of the claims. Please contact your own insurance company regarding damages - if your insurance company believes that the City is responsible for damages, they will seek compensation on your behalf as stipulated in your insurance policy.

Making a Claim

If you have incurred costs for which you believe the City may be responsible, you must follow the process outlined below for the City to consider your claim. In some situations, you are required to place the City on notice within 10 days of the incident.

The Municipal Act requires that the City receives notification in writing to ensure that your claim meets the notice requirement, please forward your claim within the 10 day period to City Hall. Note that payment in respect of property damage or bodily injury is contingent upon the City being found legally liable.

In all cases of damage you must contact your insurance company or broker. Depending on the type of property damaged and the insurance policy you purchased, you may be eligible for greater compensation then you can legally recover from the City or other party.

Claim Reporting Process

Prepare your notice of claim in writing and ensure it contains the following information:
-the name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of the person making the claim;
-the date, approximate time of the incident and exact location (address or closest intersection);
-the type of damage or injury;
-the name of any contractor involved (if known).

Please forward your claim to the City of St. Thomas, Treasury Department.

NOTE: Fraudulent claims cost all taxpayers. The City will prosecute all fraudulent claims to the full extent of the law.