File a claim against the city

Last updated December 19, 2024
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Was your vehicle damaged by a pothole? Did you fall on the sidewalk and hurt yourself? Was your property damaged during work being performed by the city? You can file a claim for material or bodily damages.

An investigation will determine whether the city is responsible and if you are owed compensation. Here’s how to file a claim.

Who can file a claim?

Both individuals and corporations can file a claim, whether or not they live in Montréal. A natural person is an individual, while a legal entity can be a company or a non-profit organization.

The city’s responsibility is not automatic

  • In the case of a sewer backup, if you do not have a properly working backwater valve.
  • In the case of falls caused by slipping on snow or ice on the sidewalk.
  • In the case of damages to tires and suspension of a vehicle due to the condition of the road.

Steps

1. Application

Complete and submit the online claim form. This is the most important step, as the timeframe for processing begins as soon as the event occurs. Later, you can attach other documents, such as estimates or photos. 

You can also write your claim yourself and file it in person at an Accès Montréal office.

Whether you submit it online or in person, make sure you have written down the essential elements for assessing your application:

  • First and last name
  • Full address 
  • Phone number
  • E-mail address
  • Date of the incident or accident
  • Location of the incident or accident
  • Description of damage or injury

2. Assessment

The person in charge of assessing your claim may contact other municipal departments to request access to information in your claim. They may also contact you for specific information.

3. Written response

You will receive a written response once investigation of your claim is complete.

Disclosure of personal information
All personal information that is sent to the city’s Bureau des réclamations is handled confidentially. However, this information may be shared with other departments in order to investigate your claim.

Timeframe

In order for your claim to be receivable, you must file it within a specific timeframe: 

  • Material damage: Within 15 days of the incident 
  • Bodily damage: Within three years of the incident

Legal action

To take legal action for damages against the city, the timeframes are as follows: 

  • Material damage: Six months
  • Bodily damage: Three years

Submit your claim

Service des affaires juridiques

Bureau des réclamations
7275, rue Sherbrooke Est, bureau 2201b
Montréal, QC H1N 1E9
  • You can also take your notice of claim to an Accès Montréal office.
  • Video files and USB flash drives are not accepted.

Service des affaires juridiques - Bureau des réclamations

Place Versaille
7275 Rue Sherbrooke Est, suite 2201b
Montréal, QC H1N 1E9

You must provide the following information:

  • First and last name
  • Full address 
  • Phone number
  • E-mail address
  • Date of the incident or accident
  • Location of the incident or accident
  • Description of damage or injury

Video files and USB flash drives are not accepted.

[email protected]

You must provide the following information:

  • First and last name
  • Full address 
  • Phone number
  • E-mail address
  • Date of the incident or accident
  • Location of the incident or accident
  • Description of damage or injury

Video files are not accepted.

Service des affaires juridiques - Bureau des réclamations

514-872-6082

You must provide the following information:

  • First and last name
  • Full address 
  • Phone number
  • E-mail address
  • Date of the incident or accident
  • Location of the incident or accident
  • Description of damage or injury

Legislation