Edmonton Oilers owner and president Daryl Katz has stepped forward with a powerful gesture of compassion and support for one grieving family.

Katz has announced that he will personally cover the funeral expenses and provide both emotional and financial assistance to the relatives of a Houston family of five whose lives were tragically claimed by the floodwaters.

The victims — Hermenegildo Melendez, 55; Veronica Cerda, 53; their daughters Veronica Denise Cerda, 26; Rebecca Cerda, 20; and Daniela Cerda, 18 — were beloved members of their community and are being mourned by friends and neighbors across Houston.

In a heartfelt statement, a representative for Katz said, “Daryl is deeply moved by this unimaginable loss. He wants to ensure this family is laid to rest with dignity and that their loved ones receive the support they need to begin to heal from this tragedy.”

Katz, who is known for his philanthropy both in Canada and abroad, is also working with local organizations to extend additional aid to other families impacted by what officials are calling one of the worst floods in Texas history.

Community leaders have praised Katz’s swift response, noting that his generosity brings not only financial relief but also hope and solidarity at a time when many families are struggling to cope with profound loss.

As rescue efforts and rebuilding continue, Katz’s actions are a reminder that kindness and community can shine through even the darkest moments.

Oilers owner had filed $5M lawsuit over funding for inner-city drop-in centre

Oilers owner Daryl Katz and the homeless agency that once neighboured Rogers Place have “come to a positive resolution” in an acrimonious lawsuit that made headlines last year.

On Wednesday, Katz Group Real Estate and Boyle Street Community Services issued a two-sentence statement announcing the end of legal action between the two groups.

“Boyle Street Community Services and Katz Group Real Estate announced today that the two parties have come to a positive resolution on the legal matter they were engaged in,” the statement reads. “The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and Katz Group Real Estate are lead and foundational supporters of Boyle Street’s new okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) and our organizations are looking forward to continuing to grow our strong relationship.”

The legal dispute became public in early 2024 over funding for the King Thunderbird Centre, a drop-in centre at 107A Avenue and 101 Street intended to replace Boyle’s Street’s homeless community hub next to Rogers Place.

Boyle Street has operated out of a patchwork of spaces since the closure of its longtime 105 Avenue location in 2023. The King Thunderbird Centre, two blocks north in a repurposed paintball facility, was supposed to open a short time later, but has since been delayed until fall 2025.

Boyle Street originally owned the 105 Avenue property, a converted warehouse, where it offered services for the homeless. It agreed to sell the property to Katz Group in 2021 for $5 million to make way for the Ice District redevelopment, plus funding from the Oilers Community Foundation. The building, across the street from the new Oilers fan park, has since been torn down.

After acquiring the 105 Avenue building, Katz Group allowed Boyle Street to lease the property for a dollar a month through September 2023, at which point Boyle Street expected to move into King Thunderbird Centre. Katz Group also agreed to contribute $5 million to “backstop” construction of the new centre, “depending on the amount of money Boyle Street was able to raise during a capital campaign period,” the agency said in a court filing.

Boyle Street’s development permit for the new centre, however, was temporarily rejected by the subdivision and development appeal board, delaying construction and forcing Boyle Street to scramble for temporary facilities.

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In November 2023, Ice District filed a statement of claim in the Court of King’s Bench asking the court to find Boyle Street breached the “backstop” funding agreement. As part of the agreement, Ice District’s $5 million contribution would be reduced dollar-for-dollar once Boyle Street secured at least $8.5 million in capital funding.

The Ice District’s claim, however, accused Boyle Street of failing to adequately fundraise for the project. It also said Boyle Street mishandled the development permit process.

Boyle Street defended its fundraising efforts, saying it brought in more than $8 million at the time of the court battle. It acknowledged the amount fell short of its $13.5 million goal, which “would negate the need” for the backstop funds. Boyle Street claimed Katz Group and Oilers representatives were part of its fundraising committee and were “fully aware” of its fundraising efforts. It accused Katz Group of not following through with pledges to help Boyle Street raise funds.

“They did not follow up with potential donors, declined to use the significant fundraising potential of the Oilers to assist Boyle Street in raising funds, and generally were not actively involved in the capital campaign circle meetings or activities,” Boyle Street’s statement of defence reads.

The group also accused Katz of distracting the organization from important social issues.

“Rather than focusing on the unprecedented houselessness and drug poisoning crisis in Edmonton, developing the new premises, and using funds for these purposes, Boyle Street must now use its resources to defend the allegations made by Katz Group.”

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When news of the lawsuit broke, both sides said they expected to resolve the matter through private arbitration.

Katz Group’s lawsuit was met with anger in some quarters, with city councillor Aaron Paquette suggesting a review of public funding provided to the company.

In March, the Alberta government, City of Edmonton, and Oilers Entertainment Group announced a tentative deal worth hundreds of millions to build an “event park” on the property south of the old Boyle Street building.