The Jim Pattison Group is suing Metro Vancouver over alleged negligence that resulted in property damage at a Vancouver fish-processing plant, Business in Vancouver reported.

Metro Vancouver is short for the Metro Vancouver Regional District, an umbrella organization for local governments on infrastructure and other projects that affect more than one municipality or the region as a whole.

The lawsuit, filed on Feb. 12, alleges that Metro Vancouver and other defendants conducted maintenance and repair work in September 2024 near the Canada Fishing Co. (Canfisco) fish-packing plant in Vancouver.

Canfisco is a Pattison subsidiary. The plant is located at 301 Waterfront Road E., which is also the fishing company’s head- office location. The work allegedly caused over-pressurization of sewage lines, leading to significant damage at the facility, BIV reported while citing the lawsuit’s statement of claim.

Pattison claims the damage included ruptured pipes, sewer lines, and a Schedule 80 pipe used for waste disposal. Additional damage allegedly affected a back-flow preventer, structural elements, and caused a sewage backup beneath the plant.

“The damage was caused by the negligence of the defendants, collectively and individually along with their respective servants, agents or employees,” the lawsuit further alleges, according to BIV.

The lawsuit also cites failure to properly plan and supervise the work, incorrectly pressurizing lines, and neglecting to assess potential risks before beginning repairs. While the plaintiffs did not specify a total damage estimate, they seek compensation for repair costs, emergency response expenses, business income loss, and property devaluation.

Metro Vancouver has not yet been served with the notice of civil claim and declined to comment, BIV reported.

Vancouver-based Jim Pattison Group is owned by Jimmy Pattison, a legendary entrepreneur who holds diverse business interests through the firm and ranks among Canada’s wealthiest billionaires.

Pictured: Interior of Canfisco fish-packing plant.

Photo: Canfisco