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If you choose to make a claim to the County for property damage or personal injury, you must provide written notification as specified in the Municipal Act 2001.
Notifying your insurance provider of the loss is the best way to protect your interests. Failure to notify your insurer at the onset of the loss may prejudice your right to recover under your insurance policy.
In some situations, you are required to place the County on notice within 10 days of the incident. To ensure that your claim meets the notice requirement, please forward your claim within the 10 day period, as follows:
- By email
- By mail or in person to:
County of Peterborough
Corporate Projects & Services
470 Water Street
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3M3
Claims will be investigated without prejudice, based on the facts as they present themselves and under standard legal practices and principles.
The personal information collected to investigate your claim is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, C.25 and will be disclosed to staff and service providers who require the information to investigate your claim against The County of Peterborough. Questions about the collection of this personal information should be directed to the Manager, Legislative Services/Clerk, 470 Water Street, Peterborough, ON K9H 3M3 or 705-743-0380
Fraudulent claims cost all taxpayers. The County will prosecute all fraudulent claims to the full extent of the law.
| What to include when preparing your notice of claim: |
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When you are preparing your notice of claim, ensure that it contains the following information, as applicable:
- Name, address and phone number of the person making the claim
- Name, address and phone number of the person submitting the claim, if different from above
- Date, time and exact location (address or closest intersection) of the incident causing damage, injury or loss
- A brief description of what happened
- The type of damage or injury sustained; first aid administered or ambulance called
- Weather conditions
- Footwear worn
- Attach copies of estimates (at least two), invoices or expenses incurred as a result of the event, or list these and indicate “forthcoming”
- Attach photographs taken or diagrams
- List name(s) of County staff involved, where applicable
- List name(s) of witness and contact information
- List name(s) of any contractor involved, if known
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Pothole Claims
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| How do I report a pothole or road hazard? |
| Contact the Infrstructure Services - Operations Division at 705-742-4862. You will need to provide the closest address or closest intersection for this service request. The exact location of the hazard will be recorded and an inspection arranged so that the appropriate action is taken. |
| My vehicle was damaged in a pothole on a County Road; what should I do? |
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Report the hazard to the Infrastructure Services - Operations Division at 705-742-4862.
It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is operated in a safe manner. Should you feel your vehicle is not road worthy, contact your insurance company for guidance.
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| Will the County pay for my damages? |
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The County adheres to the provisions of the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) for Municipal Highways (Ontario Regulation 239/02). These provisions dictate the frequency of road inspection and repair.
By meeting the MMS provisions, liability will not be found against the County for damage to privately owned vehicles. If you feel your vehicle has been damaged due to an improperly maintained road, you should immediately contact your automobile insurer. They may seek compensation from the County on your behalf.
Claims for non-repair of a municipal roadway must be received in writing by the County within ten (10) days of the incident. Follow the procedure outlined above.
It is important to note that the County is not responsible for all the roads in the region. Provincial highways, township roads, private lanes and parking lots are not under the control of the County of Peterborough.
The City adheres to the provisions of the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) for Municipal Highways (Ontario Regulation 239/02). These provisions dictate the frequency of road inspection and repair.
By meeting the MMS provisions, liability will not be found against the City for damage to privately owned vehicles. If you feel your vehicle has been damaged due to an improperly maintained road, you should immediately contact your automobile insurer. They may seek compensation from the City on your behalf.
Claims for non-repair of a municipal roadway must be received in writing by the City within ten (10) days of the incident. Follow the procedure outlined in the Making a Claim section of this site.
It is important to note that the City is not responsible for all the roads in the region. Condominium Associations, private lanes and parking lots are not under the control of the City of Peterborough.
The City adheres to the provisions of the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS) for Municipal Highways (Ontario Regulation 239/02). These provisions dictate the frequency of road inspection and repair.
By meeting the MMS provisions, liability will not be found against the City for damage to privately owned vehicles. If you feel your vehicle has been damaged due to an improperly maintained road, you should immediately contact your automobile insurer. They may seek compensation from the City on your behalf.
Claims for non-repair of a municipal roadway must be received in writing by the City within ten (10) days of the incident. Follow the procedure outlined in the Making a Claim section of this site.
It is important to note that the City is not responsible for all the roads in the region. Condominium Associations, private lanes and parking lots are not under the control of the City of Peterborough.
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After a notice of claim is received, Peterborough County will provide acknowledgement of receipt. Depending on the nature of the claim, you may then be contacted by an insurance adjuster for more information.
| How long does the claim process take? |
| The length of time it takes to investigate claims will vary from case to case based upon claim complexity and severity. Generally the investigation will be complete within 90 days. |
| How is a claim evaluated? |
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The considerations in evaluating a claim include:
- The particular facts of the alleged loss;
- The applicable law;
- Whether the Peterborough County has legal responsibility;
- The claimant’s role in the situation; and
- The nature and extent of damages claimed, as well as the supporting documentation.
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| Is there a limitation period to file a claim? |
| Yes, under the Limitations Act 2002, you must issue legal action (Statement of Claim) in an Ontario Court within two years of the date of loss. Written notice to Peterborough County alone does not satisfy the requirement. |
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