Brandon explosion fault disputed by Manitoba Hydro

Explosion at Brandon Building Blamed on Municipality

BRANDON — An explosion at a City of Brandon building three years ago was the fault of the municipality, according to Manitoba Hydro’s statement of defence filed on Dec. 31.

The Crown corporation claims it performed its duties properly during prior repairs.

The city sued Manitoba Hydro and its subsidiary, Centra Gas, for negligence related to the explosion on Sept. 7, 2023, at the Civic Services Complex, which sent one city employee to the hospital.

Details of the Incident

In an August 2025 statement of claim, the city stated that “overpressure” in the building’s natural gas system caused the explosion.

Two days before the explosion, Manitoba Hydro replaced a natural gas meter and instructed the city to remove a gas regulator, stating it was unnecessary.

The city claimed that the meter released five pounds per square inch of natural gas to the building’s appliances, which was excessive. The proper range should have been between 0.25 and 0.5 psi.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Manitoba Hydro’s Response

In its response, Manitoba Hydro stated it acted “in a matter reasonably expected” and denied “each and every allegation of negligence” made by the city, while also filing a counterclaim.

Hydro’s statement of defence indicated that the city was responsible for gas regulation and reconnection of the gas supply.

The work done by Hydro, including replacing the natural gas meter with gas delivered at five psi, was conducted in the presence of a city gasfitter, who confirmed the work.

The gasfitter was responsible for reconnecting and relighting gas appliances.

Claims of Negligence

Hydro denied that its work was under the instruction of the city. It stated that Hydro was not required to inspect city piping and did not do so.

Hydro claimed the city gasfitter knew, or should have known, that appropriate gas regulators were necessary to reduce gas pressure.

The statement of defence noted that the city gasfitter represented that he was fully competent to perform the city work and refused assistance from Hydro when gas was reintroduced into the building.

The city was aware, or should have been aware, that its employees lacked the necessary skills to perform the work, according to Hydro’s statement.

It also stated that the city failed to mitigate its loss and “exaggerated” the extent of the explosion’s damage.

Hydro denied that the service lines were too small and stated that their size did not contribute to the explosion.

Counterclaim and Repair Costs

Hydro’s counterclaim, filed with the statement of defence, seeks $2,596 for the cost of the damaged meter, lost natural gas, and labor following the explosion. It also requests court costs with interest.

Last May, the city estimated the cost of repairs to the building at about $1 million. The lawsuit against Hydro seeks costs for repairs to the building, its contents, Manitoba Hydro services, engineering services, and insurance adjuster and investigative services.

City’s Comments

City spokesperson Merrilea Metcalf declined to comment on the matter, as the case is before the courts. She referred comments to one of the city’s lawyers.

Lawyer Josh Lieberman also declined to comment on Monday for the same reason.

Reopening of the Civic Services Complex

In a news release on Monday, the city announced the reopening of the Civic Services Complex, stating that the explosion caused major structural damage to the facility.

The building at 900 Richmond Ave. East is set to reopen on Thursday. It serves as a hub for various departments and operations.