Province launches Elliot Lake roof collapse inquiry

The province has launched a public inquiry into the partial collapse of the roof at the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake. 

The June 23 incident killed two women and injured 22 other people.

Commissioner Paul R. Bélanger has been appointed to lead the public inquiry, which will focus on three key aspects of the incident, including events surrounding the collapse; policies and procedures of provincial and municipal governments relating to the structural integrity and safety of the mall; and emergency response provided after the collapse.

The commissioner's goal will be to deliver a final report to the attorney general within 12 months—and no later than 18 months—after beginning the inquiry. Once the government receives the final report, it will be tabled in the Legislature and made available to the public.

"We're doing everything we can to prevent tragedies like the one in Elliot Lake from happening again,” Attorney General John Gerretsen said in a news release. “We've given Commissioner Bélanger a mandate to ask the kinds of tough questions about the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall that need asking. I look forward to his recommendations."

A website will be set up to keep the public informed throughout the public inquiry. At any time during the course of the inquiry, the commission may propose interim measures to address any matter falling within its mandate, according to the release.