The owner of the Canada Life Centre is suing the contractors who built the downtown arena two decades ago for installing the wrong size of natural gas pipes.
In a statement of claim filed in Manitoba Court of King’s Bench last week, True North Sports and Entertainment claims that, in compliance with regulations, a five-pound natural gas distribution system was to be installed inside the facility, then known as MTS Centre, which opened on Nov. 16, 2004.
But according to the lawsuit, True North, which also owns the Winnipeg Jets, discovered only this past July that a 10-pound distribution system had been installed instead. True North claims it was forced to make alterations to the system because it was in excess of the maximum allowable pressure for the building.
As well, True North also learned the pipes used in the system were a mix of both threaded and welded when, under code, only welded pipes are allowed to be installed with 10-pound distribution systems.
True North is now suing various contractors and subcontractors, including PCL Constructors Canada, Perkins and Will Inc. and Derksen Plumbing and Heating, for the expense, as well as the loss and damages, of fixing the system so it can comply with regulations.
No statement of defence has been filed and the matter has not been adjudicated in court.