An Ontario Superior Court judge has formally approved financial settlements for the two children of a woman who suffered catastrophic injuries in the tragic 2019 OC Transpo bus crash at Westboro station. The court-sanctioned agreements will see each child receive a structured payout designed to support them into adulthood.
Court Approval for Minor Children's Claims
The settlements, which total more than $60,000 in damages per child, were initially reached during a mediation process in April 2022. However, because the claimants, Adam Stevens and Riley Stevens, were minors at the time, the Superior Court of Ontario was required to review and approve the terms to ensure they were fair and in the children's best interests.
According to court documents, the children's mother, Marcelle Stevens, was a passenger on the double-decker bus involved in the January 2019 collision. She sustained life-altering injuries, including bilateral leg amputations and other long-term impairments. Marcelle and her husband, Christopher Stevens, subsequently brought claims on behalf of their sons under Ontario's Family Law Act for the loss of care, guidance, and companionship.
Judicial Review and Structured Payout Details
The path to final court approval encountered some procedural delays. In a 2023 endorsement, Justice Sylvia Corthorn identified deficiencies in the initial evidence, which necessitated the filing of additional affidavits. These documents were not brought before the judge until the summer of 2025 due to backlogs in the court system.
Upon review, Justice Corthorn approved the settlements in a written decision published in November 2025. She found the terms reasonable after examining comparable case law. Each child is to receive $60,000 for damages and pre-judgement interest, plus $7,116 for costs, making a total of $67,116 approved for each.
Future Payments Designed for Long-Term Benefit
The court ordered the funds to be disbursed as structured settlements, with payments beginning when each child turns 21. This financial mechanism is intended to provide sustained support over time.
Riley Stevens will receive monthly payments of $883.41 starting January 23, 2028, and continuing until December 23, 2036. This schedule will result in a total future payout of $95,408.28.
His brother, Adam Stevens, will begin receiving larger monthly payments of $1,117.83 on November 5, 2034, with the final payment scheduled for October 5, 2043. His total payout will reach $120,727.80.
The final payout amounts are higher than the initially approved sums because they account for the guaranteed payment stream spread over many years, which includes accrued interest. In her decision, Justice Corthorn concluded, "For the reasons set out above, I find that the settlement of the minor plaintiffs’ claims is reasonable and in their respective best interests."
The 2019 OC Transpo crash at the Westboro Transitway station remains one of Ottawa's most devastating transit disasters, with lasting impacts on victims and their families. This court approval represents a formal step toward providing long-term financial security for two of its youngest affected individuals.
