The City of Windsor saw a significant increase in insurance claims last year.
There were 437 claims, well above the five-year average of 356.
A lot of those claims are attributed to tree liability and road conditions. In 2023, there were 145 claims to the city over property damage or personal injury from fallen tree branches. In 2022, there were only 84.
The city's deputy solicitor, Dana Paladino, indicated that just because there was an increase in claims does not mean the city paid them all.
If the city responded to previous requests to trim a tree and took all reasonable steps considering the health of the tree, it may not have to pay the claim.
"We're having those conversations with our forestry department throughout the year to let them know, these are where your weaknesses are that are leading to liability, and this is where it's not," said Paladino at Monday's council meeting.
A report outlining the claims blames the increase on an ageing tree population and extreme weather. A tornado passing through Sandwich Town in August last year caused significant damage.
