Marda Loop business owners launch class-action lawsuit against city over construction disruption

The City of Calgary is facing a class-action lawsuit from Marda Loop business owners, who say construction has caused them dire financial consequences.

The City of Calgary is facing a class-action lawsuit from Marda Loop business owners.

Businesses in the southwest along 33rd and 34th avenues, between Crowchild Trail and 14th Street, say construction there has caused them “dire financial consequences,” and so they’re taking the city to court.

They want to be compensated $75 million plus “special damages” to be proven in court.

The businesses say the city offered some money in 2022, but it’s a fraction of the total loss.

The statement of claim says the plaintiffs are suing because:

• The defendant was negligent in carrying out its construction of the project;
• Construction of the project injuriously affected the plaintiffs; and
• Construction of the project caused nuisance to the plaintiffs.

Silver Sage Beef and Diner Deluxe are leading this class-action lawsuit.

Specifically, they state poor communication and lack of access to their stores due to the construction are among the main reasons behind the lawsuit.

“Our clients are basically telling us that they are selling their homes, they’re getting second mortgages and they’re hanging on by a thread … and that a number of other businesses have already left,” said Husna Ali Bik with Napoli Shkolnik Canada.

In a statement, the city acknowledged the claim.

“We are aware of the claim and are currently reviewing it,” the city said.

“As the matter is now before the courts, we are not able to provide any further comment.”

Marda Loop has been undergoing about $30 million worth of construction over three years.

It’s set to wrap up by Oct. 31.

With files by Damien Wood