If you choose to make a claim to the Town for property damage or personal injury, you must provide written notification as specified in the Municipal Act 2001.

Notifying your insurance provider of the loss is the best way to protect your interests.  Failure to notify your insurer at the onset of the loss may prejudice your right to recover under your insurance policy.

In some situations, you are required to place the Town on notice within 10 days of the incident. To ensure that your claim meets the notice requirement, please forward your claim within the 10 day period, as follows:

By email

By mail or in person
Manager of Purchasing & Risk Management 
32 Mill Street
Thornbury, Ontario 
N0H 2P0 

By fax
519-599-2474

When you are preparing your notice of claim, ensure that it contains the following information, as applicable: 

• Name, address and phone number of the person making the claim
• Name, address and phone number of the person submitting the claim, if different from above
• Date, time and exact location (address or closest intersection) of the incident causing damage, injury or loss
• A brief description of what happened
• The type of damage or injury sustained; first aid administered or ambulance called
• Weather conditions
• Footwear worn
• Attach copies of estimates (at least two), invoices or expenses incurred as a result of the event, or list these and indicate “forthcoming”
• Attach photographs taken or diagrams
• List name(s) of Town staff involved, where applicable
• List name(s) of witness and contact information
• List name(s) of any contractor involved, if known 

Claims will be investigated without prejudice, based on the facts as they present themselves and under standard legal practices and principles. 

The personal information collected to investigate your claim is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, C.25 and will be disclosed to staff and service providers who require the information to investigate your claim against Town of The Blue Mountains.  Questions about the collection of this personal information should be directed to the Town Clerk, 32 Mill Street, Thornbury, ON 519-599-3131 ext 232

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

After a notice of claim is received, the Town will provide acknowledgement of receipt.

How long does the claim process take?

The length of time it takes to investigate claims will vary from case to case based upon claim complexity and severity. Generally the investigation will be complete within 90 days.

How is a claim evaluated?

The considerations in evaluating a claim include: 

• The particular facts of the alleged loss;
• The applicable law;
• Whether the Town of The Blue Mountains has legal responsibility;
• The claimant’s role in the situation; and
• The nature and extent of damages claimed, as well as the supporting documentation.

Is there a limitation period to file a claim?

Yes, under the Limitations Act 2002, you must issue legal action (Statement of Claim) in an Ontario Court within two years of the date of loss. Written notice to the Town alone does not satisfy the requirement.