The family of a teenager who drowned near the Chef-William-Commanda bridge has sued the City of Ottawa for negligence, at the dawn of the two-year tragedy. The case is worth $ 1.5 million.
Vimy Grant was 14 when she sank in the Ottawa River on July 3, 2020, after diving from the Chef-William-Commanda Bridge, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Bridge.
The tragedy occurred when the young man came to the bridge with friends from where they happily jumped into the water.
Vimy and her friends visited the bridge several times before July 3, 2020we learn in pursuit. They were not aware that they were not there because so many people were there every time they visited the bridge.
The bridge, built over 140 years ago, qualifies particularly dangerous area for swimmers in pursuit.
” Despite the condition of the bridge, it is a very popular place with the citizens of Ottawa, a fact that the City of Ottawa is well aware of. “
Plaintiffs blame the City for the young man’s death. The old railway bridge has been closed for years, but not blocking enough, they say.
In 2016, the City of Ottawa placed barriers at bridge entrances to limit access after receiving multiple calls to report a violation. These fences have been torn down and torn down many times since.
After Vimy’s death, a series of recommendations were made by the City coroner, emphasizing the indictment. Among other things, the addition of lights, security cameras and an alarm system to reduce night activities, the addition of signs prohibiting access and the increasing police presence in the area were recommended.
Despite this extensive review, no real improvements have been made to the bridge or surrounding areas to increase safety.grievance of the family. The City of Ottawa has acted with complete disregard for the safety of the public, including Vimy.
This looseness was not understood by the family of young Vimy Grant, as another death occurred at the same location less than a year after Vimy’s death.
In a brief written statement, Advocate General David White indicated that the City of Ottawa would respond to the statement right time. In accordance with its standard practice relating to matters before the courts, the City will not provide further comment on this matter.He added.
Currently doing
The structure has been undergoing major work since last fall to become a temporary multi-use path.
During the activities, the public still could not access the bridge; patrols previously organized as well as barricades will be maintained and accompanied by other standard safety and security measures at construction sitessaid Carina Duclos, Director of Infrastructure Services for the City of Ottawa. The work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2022.
” The City of Ottawa wants to remind everyone that illegal entry to a construction site is illegal and dangerous. “
In response to accusations of disrespect from the family, the City made sure it took steps for everyone’s safety. Mrs. ensures that. Duclos Public safety is a top priority for the City of Ottawa.
Safety features and considerations, such as guardrail and platform design, lighting and signage, were evaluated and integrated into the multi-use pathway design.he added. The City will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to guarantee the safety of users once the multi-use path is open.
With information from Alexandra Angers
Source: Radio-Canada
