TORONTO - Shattering balcony glass has prompted some downtown Toronto condo owners to launch class-action suits against developers, contractors and others.

The proposed actions in Ontario Superior Court allege negligence in the construction of two condo developments in which glass crashed to the streets below.

As a result, the balconies were sealed months ago and residents denied access to them.

The action on behalf of owners and renters of the units in the Murano Towers names Bay Grenville Properties and Lanterra Developments, among others.

The proposed suit against Festival Tower, located in the city's entertainment district, names King and John Festival Corp. and the Daniels Corp.

The class actions, which seek a combined $40 million in various damages, have yet to be certified and none of the allegations has been tested in any court.