Company fined $270K, president fined $30K for Alberta Fire Code violations
This story has been updated to include a breakdown of the charges Premium Fire Protection entered guilty pleas to, as well as the charges that were withdrawn or dismissed.
An Alberta company has agreed to pay $270,000 in fines and its president has agreed to pay $30,000 in fines for violations of the province's fire code.
Premium Fire Protection Ltd. will pay $225,000 in fines plus a 20 per cent victim surcharge for 15 counts under the Safety Codes Act and company president Kurt Bertrand has agreed to pay $25,000 in fines plus a 20 per cent victim surcharge for four counts under the Safety Codes Act for violations under the Alberta Fire Code.
The 15 violation convictions included failure to ensure "only duly qualified person" tested or maintained fire systems at:
- Sobeys McKenzie Towne at 20 McKenzie Towne Ave. S.E. on Jan. 16, 2018, March 22, 2018 and July 3, 2018
- Real Canadian Superstore at 7020 Fourth St. N.W. on Jan. 17, 2018, July 19, 2018 and Jan. 30, 2019
- Real Canadian Superstore at 4700 130th Ave. S.E. on Jan. 16, 2019
- Denny's at 138 Crowfoot Way N.W. on Aug. 7, 2018
- Country Hills Toyota at 20 Freeport Landing N.E. on Dec. 20, 2018 (both main and used sales buildings)
- Sunridge Nissan at 3131 32nd Ave. N.E on Feb. 21, 2019
- Lakeview IGA at 6449 Crowchild Trail S.W. on March 6, 2017
- Shoppers Drug Mart at 620 McKenzie Towne Drive S.E. on April 6, 2018
- Silverado Dental Wellness at 19369 Sheriff King Street S.E. on May 15, 2018
- Silverado Dental Wellness within the Lakeview IGA at 6449 Crowchild Trail S.W. on Dec. 14, 2018
Several of the charges against Premium Fire and Bertrand involving the alleged use of unqualified workers were dropped or withdrawn including charges related to:
- The installation of a special fire suppression system at the Real Canadian Superstore at 4700 130th Ave. S.E. on March, 5, 2019
- Maintenance of a special fire suppression system at Chuck E. Cheese at 2612 32nd St. N.E. on April 30, 2019
- The installation of a special fire suppression system at Food Truck Canada at 8800 Venture Ave. S.E. on May 8, 2018, Aug. 29, 2018 and April 17, 2019
- The testing of the fire alarm systems at Lakeview IGA at 6449 Crowchild Trail S.W. on Dec. 14, 2018
- The testing of the fire alarm systems at Silverado Dental Wellness within the Lakeview IGA at 6449 Crowchild Trail S.W. on May 15, 2018
- The testing of the fire alarm systems at Sobeys McKenzie Towne at 20 Mckenzie Towne Ave. S.E. on March 22, 2018.
"This case underlines the importance of adhering to the Fire Code and ensuring that any work on life safety systems is completed by qualified and certified individuals," said Deputy Chief Ken Uzeloc of the Calgary Fire Department.
"These rules protect Calgarians from risk and potential harm – the choice to ignore them must carry a consequence."
The charges followed an intensive investigation by fire safety codes officers related to the installation of life safety systems by unqualified and uncertified employees.These systems include fire alarms, sprinkler systems, special suppression systems and fire extinguishers.
Companies and workers providing life safety system services are responsible to comply with all requirements of the Alberta Fire Code. Under the Safety Codes Act, a fine amount for a first offence can be up to $100,000 and up to a maximum of $500,000 for subsequent offences and/or imprisonment.
More information on life safety systems can be found online.
A total of 65 charges had been laid against Bertrand, Premium Fire Protection and 10 of the company's employees. This story only includes the outcome of the charges against Bertrand and the company.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions