Westcourt Place Fire Settlement 2026, Claim Your Share of the $7.3M Fund Before the April Deadline
If you were a resident or business owner impacted by the 2019 high-rise fire in downtown Windsor, you may finally be eligible for a cash payout. As of February 2026, the Westcourt Place $7.3 Million Fire Class Action Settlement has entered its final claims phase, with a strict filing deadline of April 30, 2026.
Westcourt Place Fire Settlement Overview and Background
The Westcourt Place $7.3 Million Fire Class Action Settlement resolves a long-standing legal battle following a devastating electrical fire on November 12, 2019. The blaze, which originated in the building’s underground parking garage at 251 Goyeau Street, sent thick smoke through all 150 residential units and 80,000 square feet of commercial space. The resulting damage forced an immediate mass evacuation and has kept the building closed to most tenants for over six years.
The class action, 837690 Ontario Limited v. Westcourt Place (Ontario Superior Court of Justice), alleged that the building’s owners and several electrical contractors were negligent in maintaining the facility’s busway systems. Following years of litigation, Justice Spencer Nicholson granted Final Approval to a $7.3 million settlement on October 31, 2025. As of February 2026, the claims portal is officially live, allowing displaced tenants to seek compensation for their displacement, trauma, and property losses.
Claim Eligibility and Class Membership
To be eligible for a payout, you must fall under the definition of a “Class Member” or “Family Class Member.” Specifically, you qualify if, as of November 12, 2019, you:
- Rented an apartment or commercial unit at Westcourt Place.
- Were a resident or guest present in the building at the time of the fire.
- Owned personal property located within an apartment, commercial unit, or on the roof.
- Were a family member (spouse, child, parent, etc.) of a primary class member who suffered related losses.
Excluded from this settlement are the defendants and their senior officers. The geographic scope focuses on those present at the Windsor, Ontario location, though many eligible claimants have since relocated across Canada and the United States.
Claim Filing Procedures and Deadlines
The window to receive your share of the $7.3 million fund is limited. Here is the process you must follow as of February 2026:
- Claim Filing Deadline: You must submit your completed Claim Form by April 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.
- Submission Methods: Claims should be filed through the secure Online Claims System at www.westcourtfiresettlement.com.
- Required Documentation: Claimants should be prepared to provide proof of residency (such as a 2019 lease agreement), receipts for out-of-pocket evacuation expenses, and documentation of any damaged personal property that was not covered by insurance.
- Administrator Contact: For assistance, you can call the court-appointed administrator at 1-888-895-5219 or email [email protected].
Claim Amounts and Payout Calculations
The $7.3 million fund will be distributed according to a court-approved Plan of Allocation. While individual amounts vary based on specific circumstances, the estimated payout ranges include:
- Initial Evacuation: Each individual tenant is eligible for $6,000 for the initial forced removal from the building.
- Trauma Payment: Those home at the time of the fire receive $1,000, while those not home receive $500.
- Displacement Credit: Eligible residents can claim $200 per month for the period they were forced to live elsewhere between January 2020 and March 2024 (capped at 40 months).
- Lease Termination: Tenants who have officially surrendered their lease and do not plan to return are entitled to at least $5,500.
Cheques are expected to be mailed out by late June 2026, once the administrator verifies all “routine” claims.
What You Must Know
Critical Eligibility Rules
A vital distinction in this settlement is the “Right of Return.” If you have chosen to return to Westcourt Place as the building reopens in 2026, you may not be eligible for the full $5,500 termination payment, but you can still claim for evacuation and displacement costs. Furthermore, if you do not file a claim form, you will receive zero compensation, even if the building owners have your contact information on file.
Common Mistakes Claimants Make
The most frequent errors that lead to rejected claims include:
- Missing the April 30 Deadline: There are no extensions scheduled for 2026; late filings will be disqualified.
- Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide proof that you lived in the building (like a utility bill or lease) will stall the administrator’s approval.
- Forgetting Personal Property: Remember that you must also arrange to pick up any personal belongings still in off-site storage by April 30, 2026, or they may be discarded without liability.
2026 Settlement Updates
As of February 12, 2026, the City of Windsor’s attempt to increase its share of the fund was dismissed by the court, ensuring the “lion’s share” of the $7.3 million stays with the individual tenants. Lawyers at Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP have confirmed that the claims process is moving quickly to ensure all affected families receive their cheques before the summer.
What to Do Next
How to File Your Claim
- Access the Portal: Visit the Westcourt Fire Settlement website.
- Gather Evidence: Collect your 2019 lease, photo ID, and any receipts for moving or storage costs.
- Fill Out the Form: Complete the online Claim Form, ensuring all family members are listed if they lived with you.
- Submit Before April 30: Ensure you receive a confirmation email once your submission is successful.
How to Verify Settlement Information
To track your payout or verify your eligibility status, use these official resources:
- Official Website: www.westcourtfiresettlement.com
- Claims Administrator: RicePoint Administration Inc. (1-888-895-5219).
- Legal Counsel: Contact Debbie Tocco at 519-561-6296 for specific questions regarding the class action history.
Whether Legal Representation is Needed
Class Counsel has already been appointed to represent the interests of all members, and their fees are paid directly from the settlement fund. You do not need to hire a private attorney to file your claim. However, if you suffered catastrophic business losses exceeding $500,000 (the commercial cap), consulting an independent lawyer about your specific rights may be advisable.
FAQs
What is the Westcourt Place $7.3 Million Fire Class Action Settlement about?
This settlement compensates residents and businesses for losses, trauma, and displacement caused by a major electrical fire at the Westcourt Place high-rise in Windsor on November 12, 2019.
Am I eligible to claim in the Westcourt Place settlement?
You are eligible if you lived in, owned property in, or were present at Westcourt Place during the fire and did not opt out of the class action by previous deadlines.
What is the deadline to file a claim in the Westcourt Place settlement?
The strict deadline to submit your claim form is April 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.
What documentation do I need to file a claim?
You typically need proof of residency (lease or utility bill) and documentation for any specific financial losses or property damage not covered by insurance.
How much will I receive from the Westcourt Place settlement?
Most residential tenants who terminated their lease are expected to receive at least $5,500, plus additional funds for evacuation trauma and monthly displacement.
How do I file a claim in the Westcourt Place settlement?
You must submit your claim through the secure Online Claims System or by mailing a paper form to the administrator.
Where can I find more information about the Westcourt Place settlement?
All court documents, settlement terms, and contact details for the administrator are available at the official site, westcourtfiresettlement.com.
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Don’t miss the final window for justice. Submit your Westcourt claim today.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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