 In 2012 Aspden sued his former city for damages which occurred during a torch ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics in 2009.Aspden alleged to have stepped on a wet surface at Barrie's city hall, which "caused his foot to suddenly, unexpectedly and without warning to slip thereby causing him to lurch, lose balance and fall forward to the concrete staircase".The former mayor is looking for damages in upwards of $2.5 million CDN, as his "'injuries are so grievous that he cannot get relief from the severe, continuous and debilitating pain and he is usually so incapacitated that he lacks the strength in his shoulders, biceps, arms and hands to perform tasks as simple as twisting the cap off a bottle of water".