WATCH: Fireball rises over Winnipeg following 2012 Speedway International explosion.
WINNIPEG — The owner of Speedway International has been fined $4,800 plus $25,000 restitution in connection with the spectacular explosion in St. Boniface in 2012.
Royce Rostecki pleaded guilty Monday to six of eight bylaw infractions for improper operation and storage of chemicals; two infractions were stayed.
The Crown and defence lawyers agreed on a joint recommendation of a $800 fine for each offence, for a total of $4,800. Rostecki also has to pay $25,000 restitution to cover costs incurred by the Winnipeg fire department.
WATCH: Speedway International fire footage
The Oct. 1, 2012, fire at Speedway International caused an explosion that sent a massive fireball into the air, forcing the evacuation of the surrounding area, including approximately 100 homes. It cost fire crews just over $31,000 to fight.
Gord Steeves, Rostecki’s lawyer, said “the cause of the fire was an act of God.”
Rostecki used chemicals such as methanol to make windshield washer fluid; however, Steeves said the fire started during the making of biodiesel using canola oil and methanol.
Rostecki had all the proper permits and the city knew what chemicals were in his shop, Steeves said.
“There’s nothing being hidden here,” said Steeves.
But Rostecki did not comply with several bylaws, such as having a fence around his property and having a ditch surround the rail car used to store chemicals.
Rostecki appeared relaxed as he sat next to his lawyer in court.
The Judge has yet to rule on the joint recommendation.
READ MORE: Speedway facing charges in spectacular St. B. blaze
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