The federal government files a $60M counterclaim against Landform Civil over the LaSalle Causeway failure, citing catastrophic errors in project execution.
Government Seeks Damages Over Bridge Collapse
The federal government has launched a $60-million counterclaim against Landform Civil Infrastructures Inc. (LCI), the contractor at the center of the LaSalle Causeway bridge failure in Kingston, Ontario. The suit follows a lawsuit filed by LCI against the government and an engineering firm for more than $8 million in alleged damages and defamation.
Incident Rooted in March Collapse
The dispute stems from the collapse of the century-old LaSalle Causeway lift bridge on March 30, 2024, during a federally funded rehabilitation project. The bridge was ultimately demolished in June after sustaining irreparable damage. The causeway had served as a critical artery for daily commuters between Kingston’s downtown and eastern districts.
Claims of Breach and Faulty Work
In a 34-page statement of defence, the federal government argues that LCI’s work was “defective and of no value,” resulting in a catastrophic failure that rendered the bridge inoperable. The filing lists more than $60 million in damages, including $7.5 million already paid to LCI, $1.6 million in demolition costs, $3.4 million for a temporary crossing, and an estimated $30 million for a permanent replacement.
Contractor Denies Responsibility
LCI originally filed a lawsuit in January 2025, alleging the government withheld payments and falsely blamed the company for the structural failure. It also claimed that engineering firm Sigma Risk wrongly identified LCI as the party at fault, leading to reputational harm and lost business opportunities. LCI maintains that a government-hired report misrepresented the facts.
Structural Failures Cited in Report
An engineering analysis by Sigma Risk found that key support elements—steel lacing—were improperly removed from a steel truss, weakening the structure to less than half its required strength. The report cited procedural deviations and missing bracing steps as major factors in the collapse.
Legal Blame Game Intensifies
The federal government argues it was not responsible for work procedures and that LCI failed to submit engineer-stamped calculations before beginning critical work. It further claims LCI had no contractual right to demand a chance to repair the damage it allegedly caused. In a cross-claim, the government says if the court finds Sigma Risk misrepresented the facts, the firm should bear part of the liability.
Trial to Consolidate Legal Actions
The government is asking for its counterclaim, LCI’s lawsuit, and the cross-claim against Sigma Risk to be tried simultaneously. Several subcontractors have also filed separate claims alleging LCI owes them a collective $1.6 million.
Broader Impact on Kingston
The causeway closure caused months of commuter chaos and significant financial losses for local businesses and tourism operators. A temporary bridge remains in use, though its operation requires costly periodic dismantling to allow boat passage—costs projected to reach at least $15 million.
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