Winnipeg Roofer's Epic Battle: Snow, Bureaucracy, and a $150,000 Stand-Off

A frigid bureaucratic battle is unfolding in Winnipeg, as a determined roofing contractor takes the City of Winnipeg to court over a hefty, unpaid bill. Constance Popp, owner of Popp & Sons Construction, is fighting to recover $150,000 for critical snow removal work performed on city-owned buildings during the brutal winter of 2023.

Her unwavering stance against what she perceives as an unjust denial has propelled her case to Manitoba's Court of King's Bench, making her a symbol of the struggle between essential services and municipal red tape.

The controversy stems from the unprecedented snowfall of early 2023, which blanketed Winnipeg and put immense strain on infrastructure.

Recognizing the imminent danger of collapsing roofs on public buildings like libraries, arenas, and even police headquarters, Popp’s team sprang into action. She maintains that the work was not only necessary to prevent catastrophic structural damage but also to safeguard public safety. Furthermore, Popp asserts that her company received verbal and email approvals from city representatives to proceed with the crucial snow removal.

However, the City of Winnipeg has a different interpretation.

They argue that the snow removal services fell outside the explicit scope of Popp's existing contract for general roofing maintenance. According to the city, because snow removal wasn't specifically listed in the contractual agreement, Popp & Sons Construction is not entitled to payment for the $150,000 worth of work.

This rigid adherence to the letter of the contract, rather than the spirit of necessity and public welfare, has left Popp fuming and financially vulnerable.

Popp's ordeal began after the work was completed, and her invoices were rejected. A subsequent administrative review process conducted by the city upheld the initial denial, deepening her frustration.

What makes Popp's case particularly compelling is her refusal to back down. While other contractors who faced similar issues eventually settled for partial payments from the city, Popp felt that accepting anything less than the full amount would legitimize what she views as an egregious injustice. Her company is a small, local business, and $150,000 represents a significant hit, especially when the work was performed in good faith and under urgent circumstances.

The upcoming legal challenge in the Court of King's Bench will force a judicial examination of the city's contractual interpretations versus the practical realities of emergency situations.

Popp's legal team is expected to highlight the city's initial awareness and approval of the work, emphasizing the implicit understanding that such vital services were required. This case is more than just a dispute over an invoice; it's a profound look into the responsibilities of municipalities towards their citizens and contractors when faced with unforeseen circumstances, and a testament to one contractor's fierce determination to fight for what she believes is right.