Mont-Sainte-Anne Ski Lift Victims Offered $5.1M in Settlement Proposal
Victims of two incidents at Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort in Quebec are set to receive compensation under a proposed $5.1 million settlement. This agreement comes after malfunctions in the ski lift system on February 21 and March 11, 2020, which caused gondolas to come to abrupt stops with passengers inside.
Details of the Settlement
The settlement, which is pending court approval, must be ratified at a hearing scheduled for March 3, 2024, in Quebec City. If approved, this agreement will offer financial compensation to approximately 300 affected individuals.
Incidents Overview
The two incidents that led to the class-action lawsuit were reported in early 2020. The first incident saw gondola passengers, including Luc Lawrence, experiencing frightening moments when the gondola stopped suddenly. This was followed by another incident just nine days later.
Legal Proceedings and Compensation Structure
In 2021, Quebec’s Superior Court approved the class-action lawsuit against the resort. With the current settlement, Mont-Sainte-Anne aims to avoid a lengthy court battle regarding liability.
According to lawyer Jean-Sébastien D’Amours, this agreement is designed to provide reasonable compensation for the victims. The settlement fund is structured into:
- Common damages: A few thousand dollars
- Individual compensation based on injury severity:
- Highest tier: Up to $150,000
- Mid tier: $55,000
- Lowest tier: $20,000
Claim Process
To receive compensation, victims are required to submit a claim along with supporting documents. Some passengers suffered no injuries, while others experienced severe damage, including spinal fractures.
The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, which operates Mont-Sainte-Anne, has chosen not to comment publicly on the matter as the settlement awaits court approval.
