REGINA — A Regina homeowner could be out upwards of $20,000 for damages to her property caused by a city-owned drainage ditch.
Christine Klassen purchased a property in the Sherwood–McCarthy area two years ago, with a fence slightly leaning.
“[The fence has] leaned more and more in the last two years. Doing some research and speaking to the previous homeowner, we learned that there used to be a lot more backfill that has eroded over the years.”
That erosion has spread onto the grass of Klassen’s backyard, which has been untouched since she moved in.
Since the city owns the ditch, Klassen filed a property damage claim against Regina back in June.
This week, Klassen received a response from the city, which admitted there was supposed to be a retaining wall built on the property in the original plan.
A retaining wall helps hold back soil and prevent erosion.
However, in its investigation, “there were no signs of erosion found that would cause the fence to lean,” said the city.
“In this instance, there does not appear to be any negligence on the part of the City of Regina. As with all claims, the onus of proof is on the plaintiff to prove causation of the damage. Merely believing the city caused damage does not shift the burden of proof,” it added.
Klassen feels the city is not being co-operative.
“They admit that this should have been done and yet are offering me no options, no solutions, no support, no nothing.”
Klassen had planned to fix her backyard this summer but was waiting on the city’s answer.
“One contractor told us the only way to really fix this problem is to build a retaining wall. That involves digging very, very deep [and] putting in concrete pillars and then building a fence on top of a retaining wall.”
Fixing the issue will be more complex, as no power equipment can be used with several lines located near the fence.
The total project has been pegged to cost Klassen between $15,000 and $20,000, but could be less depending on whether she and her husband decide to tackle it themselves.
In a base-case scenario, Klassen wants the city to cover part of the cost or backfill the area behind the fence.
In a statement sent to SaskToday, the City of Regina said they couldn’t provide information on Klassen’s personal case.
However, the city said it has a dedicated team to educate property owners about good drainage practices.
“Property owners are required to maintain their properties to the residential grading plan, including any required retaining walls. The city regularly maintains drainage channels to ensure acceptable operating condition.”
