If you believe your property has been damaged because of work done by the City of Port Alberni and you wish to make a claim against the City, you may do so by written notice and by completing a City of Port Alberni Claim Form.

Please note that your right to make a claim is time limited. Your written notice must be provided within two months from the date on which the damage was sustained and should include the following information:

• your name, home address and telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day;
• what was damaged;
• how the damage occurred;
• where the damage occurred, being as specific as possible;
• the date and time of the incident; and
• name(s) of anyone else involved, including contractors, equipment operators, etc. and their contact information if available. 

Any photographs you take may be included with your submission, or provided at a later date. Please include all original invoices and bills of sale, and retain damaged property for possible future inspection.

How to Submit Your Claims

• by mail
  City of Port Alberni
  Attention: Director of Corporate Services
  4850 Argyle Street
  Port Alberni, B.C.  V9Y 1V8
• by email
  Director of Corporate Services' Office at: corp_serv@portalberni.ca
• in-person
  City of Port Alberni, City Hall
  Director of Corporate Services' Office
  4850 Argyle Street
  Port Alberni, B.C.  

Claims Process

You will receive written acknowledgement of your claim submission. The Public Works Department will then conduct an investigation into the claim. Once all the information generated by the department has been reviewed, a decision regarding compensation will be made. You will be advised of this decision as soon as possible. Please note that it may take several weeks to conduct a thorough investigation. Payment of a claim is dependent on legal liability on the part of the City. For more information, please see 'Types of Losses' below.

Claims Settlement

A submission of a claim does not constitute acceptance of liability on the part of the City. Payment of a claim will require that the City be found legally liable for the damages that you have incurred. Claims will be investigated, without prejudice, based on the facts as they present themselves and under standard legal practices and principles. Please also note that the City will not pay claims based on estimates or anticipated costs. In the event that the City is legally responsible for damages that you may have incurred, the City will require paid invoices be submitted before any payment for damages will be made.

The City is committed to settlements that are fair and reasonable and within standard industry and legal practice. You can expect to be treated with respect and in a professional manner, and City staff should expect the same in return. 

Although you may not always get the answer you desire, the City will provide the basis for its position and do its best to explain the rationale behind the decisions it makes regarding claims.

Appeal Process

Should you wish to appeal a decision that the City has made concerning your claim, you may do so through the Provincial Court of B.C or Supreme Court of B.C. The Mayor and/or Council do not entertain appeals on claim-related matters.  

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Provider

Notify your insurance company of the damage. Your insurance policy may provide coverage for your damage, and this may be the quickest way to recover costs and have the repairs done. Your insurance company can then pursue any party they believe to be responsible for the damage.

Types of Losses