The following is a statement from Interim Director of Education, Karen Falconer, following the filing of a Statement of Claim by the TDSB and its property insurers against the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, and the Toronto Police Services Board regarding the response of the Office of the Fire Marshal, Toronto Fire Services, and Toronto Police Services to the fire at York Memorial CI in May 2019.

“While the TDSB and our insurers had hoped to resolve this matter outside of court, we were left with no choice but to take legal action.

The TDSB will continue to rebuild York Memorial Collegiate Institute regardless of the outcome of this legal proceeding. It is important to note that the cost of the rebuild is covered by the TDSB’s insurer who has filed this claim to recover its policy payments and additional costs. If successful, it would be anticipated that these damages be paid by the City and/or Province’s insurers.

In the meantime, our focus remains on supporting the 900 students and staff that were sadly displaced by the fire two years ago. At the same time, the important cleanup and preparation work that is critical to the rebuilding process is continuing at the site as we look to once again provide generations of students and staff with new high school memories while honouring the past.”