The Town of Kindersley pleaded guilty on August 13th in a joint submission with the Crown related to the tragic death of town employee Wilmer Gonzalez on August 30, 2022.
Gonzalez, 48, a public works employee, was responding to a sewer blockage alongside other members of the public works team at the intersection of 11th Avenue West and 14th Street West in Kindersley. Upon entering a manhole, he was overcome by poisonous gas. Despite urgent rescue efforts, Gonzalez succumbed to the lethal atmospheric conditions.
“The accident was a devastating moment for the entire Town of Kindersley, Wilmer’s coworkers, and most importantly to his family and friends. Losing a colleague, valued friend and family member is not something any employee, employer or family should experience. While the fine imposed today brings an end to the legal proceedings, it is not intended to put a monetary value on a life, nor is it intended to reflect the pain and suffering endured by family and friends," said Mayor Perkins.
The Town pleaded guilty to one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations of the Saskatchewan Employment Act and was ordered to pay a $125,000 fine along with a mandatory $50,000 victim fine surcharge.
Wilmer Gonzalez, a native of Venezuela, was an active member of the Kindersley community, volunteering with the Salvation Army and coaching his children's sports teams.