Lytton proposed class action against railway companies thrown out by BC Supreme Court
Posted August 11, 2023 9:44 am.
Last Updated August 11, 2023 9:45 am.
A proposed class action lawsuit brought by Lytton residents that aimed to hold major Canadian railway companies liable for the damages of the 2021 Lytton Creek wildfire won’t be moving ahead.
The BC Supreme Court did not certify the suit, explaining it failed to provide evidence that freight trains caused the fire. The province’s highest court added the case was overly broad and “bound to fail.”
The court did offer a glimmer of hope, saying if these issues could be addressed a future case could proceed. However, it’s not clear if residents will pursue further legal action.
The Village of Lytton and the Thompson Nicola Regional District have their own lawsuit which is seeking damages from the railway companies.
That case is still working its way through the courts.
