Victims, Westmount reach settlement in sexual abuse case involving hockey coach

A settlement has been reached between the City of Westmount and the law firm representing victims who claim they were sexually assaulted by a former hockey coach between 1953 and 1987.

Hollywood director Matthew Bissonnette, who grew up in Montreal, is the petitioner behind the class-action lawsuit, which was launched about two years ago.

READ MORE: Westmount class action lawsuit alleges abuse may have taken place on city property

He claims he was sexually assaulted by Westmount’s former all-star hockey coach John Garland when he was 12.

“We’ll never know how many victims there were. What I hope is that anyone who is out there and hears of this settlement will come forward because it will afford them some of the help that I think they might benefit from,” Bissonnette told Global News.

“The process of coming forward is completely confidential so they can contact the lawyers.”

READ MORE: Another person steps forward with Westmount sexual abuse allegation

The city has apologized and is offering to settle the case with a maximum compensation of $100,000 per victim.

In a press release, the city stated it “acknowledges that the effects of sexual abuse can last a lifetime and be devastating for victims, their families, and a community.”

“This is particularly true when the abuse is directed at the most vulnerable among us, our children.”

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WATCH BELOW: Sexual assault in Westmount

The 51-year-old Bissonnette said he’s relieved the city has opted not to fight the case in court, adding he’s letting go of his anger towards Garland.

“You’re dealing with a very sick and damaged individual,” he said.

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“I think any anger I would have is channeled into doing positive work now.”

READ MORE: Former Westmount PeeWee hockey player alleges he was abused by coach 

He met one-on-one with the mayor and the city’s lawyers a few months ago.

“I had a good meeting with the mayor. We had a frank discussion and again, I applaud the mayor and the community at city hall for doing a good investigation,” he told Global News.

“Acknowledging the reality and after that being very proactive. So, I think that they should be commended for the way they’ve handled this.”

READ MORE: City of Westmount targeted in potential sexual assault class-action lawsuit

Garland passed away in 2012.