CFS sues group home operator for fire damages to leased house in Riverview

The director of Winnipeg Child and Family Services is suing a group home operator after youth in its care allegedly caused a fire that resulted in more than $180,000 in damages.

Provincial Justice Department lawyers filed the statement of claim on behalf of the child-welfare agency in Court of King’s Bench earlier this month, naming non-profit youth care provider Neecheewam Inc. as defendant.

The claim says Neecheewam leased a two-storey house on Oakwood Avenue in Riverview from Winnipeg CFS.

Neecheewam ran a group home for youth at the property from March 2021 until Oct. 8, 2023.

On Oct. 7, 2023, at about 11:40 p.m., a fire broke out in a second-floor bedroom, the court papers say. Two children were residing in the room under the care of Neecheewam.

The child-welfare agency accuses Neecheewam of inadequately supervising the minors.

The agency’s court papers allege the fire was lit by the youths improperly disposing of cigarettes or by their careless use of a candle.

“Due to fire, smoke and water damage caused by the fire, the property suffered damage that required remediation and repair,” reads the claim. “Known damages are approximately $183,611.79.”

The child-welfare agency claims it expects to incur further losses related to the fire.

In the lease agreement, Neecheewam agreed to observe fire and safety regulations and to compensate the agency for any property damage caused by Neecheewam’s negligence or omissions, the claim says.

The agency claims the fire and property damage were the result of the children’s negligence.

Neecheewam, which was to care for and supervise the children, is responsible for the youths’ negligence, the agency claims.

Further, the agency claims, Neecheewam breached its duty to the child-welfare agency by failing to take reasonable care in using the property and failing to adequately supervise the children.

Neecheewam has not yet filed a statement of defence in response. An executive assistant at Neecheewam said the non-profit had no comment.

The non-profit describes itself as a professionally staffed, community-based organization designed to meet the needs of Indigenous youth who need care.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca