Lawsuit filed over business disruptions in Marda Loop

The City of Calgary is currently at risk of facing a class-action lawsuit centered around a construction project in Marda Loop. The lawsuit suggests that the City’s negligence during the project caused severe financial damages to local businesses in the area. The project, which commenced in June 2023 and aimed to bury existing overhead utility lines on 34th Avenue S.W., significantly impacted the profitability of local businesses and property owners.

The lawsuit, spearheaded by lawyer Clint Docken, highlights the struggles faced by local businesses, with two specific businesses, Silver Safe Beef and Diner Deluxe, proposed as representative plaintiffs in the case. The court action alleges that the City’s negligent execution of the construction project directly led to detrimental outcomes for the plaintiffs. Issues identified within the project encompass inconsistent timelines and implementation, resulting in recurring sidewalk and road closures and a significant surge in traffic volume within the area.

One of the primary grievances outlined in the lawsuit is the absence of proper notice regarding changes to the project, making it challenging for businesses to continue operating effectively. As a consequence, these businesses encountered a sharp decline in sales and customers owing to the disruptions, limited access to the Marda Loop vicinity, and parking restrictions. The impacted businesses were ultimately compelled to shut down operations, lay off employees, and navigate substantial economic hardships due to extreme declines in customer traffic resulting from road closures, restricted access, and the unappealing nature of working within a construction zone.