Doomed mall leaked from get-go as untested waterproofing system failed

ELLIOT LAKE, Ont. – The inquiry into last year’s fatal mall collapse in Elliot Lake, Ont., continues today with more testimony about the waterproofing of the rooftop parking area.

Former Harry S. Peterson Co. vice-president Dave Monroe told the inquiry Thursday that he had reservations about the Algo Centre Mall’s design but that his company wanted the job.

Monroe said they did comment about the risk involved in using the Michigan-based company’s waterproofing system on precast hollow concrete slabs resting on steel beams.

The mall’s original owner, Algocen Realty, accepted the proposal for $380,000 — saving $150,000 over conventional waterproofing Monroe’s company could have installed.

Despite adverse weather, Algocen pressed Peterson to get on with the project and Monroe says they proceeded under some less than ideal conditions in order to satisfy the requests and demands of Algocen.

Monroe testified the rooftop garage began showing increasingly serious leakage problems, with water pouring into stores below the parking deck right away.

A series of letters from Algocen to Peterson outlined the ongoing problems, demanding “urgent action.”

Numerous attempts at remedy failed, with Monroe admitting he couldn’t figure out a solution.